IN THE PRESS
“Each piece impressively demonstrates how this lineup can interpret jazz history and their own ideas in a contemporary and fresh way.”
— NRW Jazz
“This trio plays with vitality a quality music that flatters the ear. And if it's rooted in the history of jazz guitar, it's not for nostalgia's sake, but rather to highlight its miraculous timelessness.”
— Jazzmania.be
“Perfectly balanced, sophisticated and played with great virtuosity.”
— Jazz-Fun.de
“This album is already one of my favorite albums of the year. I always notice this immediately when I'm finished with the review, but the CD keeps coming back.”
— Hören und Fühlen
“Contemporary Jazz der Extraklasse – sehr zu empfehlen!”
— Er-em-online.de
GUITARIST
Coming from a diverse musical background, I gravitated toward the guitar at an early age. It was in my late teens that I immersed myself in the music of Django Reinhardt and the rich culture of the Sinti, while my musical interests gradually expanded towards contemporary jazz.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of learning from some fantastic jazz musicians, including Peter Leitch and Roni Ben-Hur, and many others. Their music, ideas and approach have had a lasting influence on the way I play.
“This is music with balls, artistry, and attitude from a player who has chops for days.”
— Just Jazz Guitar
THE GYPSY JAZZ CONNECTION
Gypsy Jazz holds a special place in my musical upbringing, and its influence can still be heard in my playing today. It was in my late teens that I became closely involved with the music and culture of the Sinti community, learning through playing with musicians who were part of the tradition.
I played with musicians such as Paulus Schäfer and Wattie Rosenberg, and later with Stochelo Rosenberg, Tchavolo Schmitt and many other great players. Those experiences remain an important part of my musical vocabulary, even as my playing has developed towards a broader contemporary jazz language.
SESSION & COLLABORATIONS
Alongside my own groups, I work as a versatile session guitarist and collaborator, both live and in the studio, across a wide range of musical styles and projects, from chanson and folk to funk, experimental music, film and video projects.
PROJECTS & FESTIVALS
Besides performing, I also develop and produce musical projects, concert programmes and festivals together with soprano Tineke Roseboom. To support and develop these projects, we founded Stichting Dwaallicht Producties, through which we create concerts, performances and festivals, often in collaboration with other artists and cultural organisations.
Among these are the annual Gypsy Jazz Festival and Jazz + More Fietsroute, both in my hometown Arnhem, alongside educational, interdisciplinary and other new musical projects.