Saturday July 1st, 2023, 11:00 PM – The Art of the Improvisers.
The Clazz Ensemble is a small big band, manned by jazz musicians and musicians from the classical field . Composers from both movements provide repertoire. These combinations make Clazz a unique orchestra. One of the founders is Dick de Graaf (photo). He combines the functions of saxophonist, composer, artistic director and (doctoral) music scientist.
De Graaf comes from and is still active in the jazz world, but his interest expanded to other musical domains such as tango, rock and classical music. He wrote a dissertation to express his above-average interest in classical music. Its subject is the “link between the 12-tone system and traditional harmony, and its connection with jazz improvisation.” De Graaf: “In the Clazz Ensemble, real classical players sit together next to real jazz players. Both groups wrote the repertoire. We learned a lot from that, and also commented on each other’s work. For example, I have developed respect for the score, for the written work.” Another example: dealing with dynamics – that is about differences in sound strength, the scale between loud and soft. Those nuances are often ignored by the jazz people. “But the classic guys hold you to it!”
In January 2009 Clazz played in the Bimhuis in Amsterdam. The recording resulted in the CD Adventures (Live at the Bimhuis). Trombonist Ilja Reijngoud composed Eyes To Wonder. Then we hear Shit Happens by drummer Arend Niks . They conclude the programme.
The programme opens with Corrie en de Brokken, followed by the Bart Lust Quintet.
Details in the Guide.
The Art of the Improvisers – Bert Broere
