Semifinal II

Wed 12 April, 2023
20.00h CvA Blue Stage
free admission

Ante Medic Octet

Micheal Murray, alto sax
Marios Charalampous, tenor sax
Paolo Petrecca, trumpet
Nicholas Adema, trombone 1
Dan Bluer, trombone 2
Ante Medic, guitar
Azubike Onwuka, bass
Diego Miranda, drums

Ante Medić Octet is an alternative jazz project. This ensemble has the energy of an experimental rock-’n-roll trio combined with the finer harmonies of a horn quintet. I’ve always tried to make use of traditional jazz idioms during the arranging and composing for this group, while also letting myself be inspired by different kinds of music genres en styles. That’s why I aspire to create a more personal output that doesn’t bind the music down to a fixed label. I aspire to create music that will appeal to people emotionally as well as intellectually by using formats that are being used by jazz composers who I admire, like Maria Schneider or Bob Brookmeyer, combined with my own input.

M.A.S.T.

Miguel Valente, alto sax
Adrian Bifano, guitar
Samuel Kiel, double bass
Teunis Loot, drums

M.A.S.T. is a dynamic modern jazz quartet based in Amsterdam, composed of Miguel Valenteon saxophone, Adrian Bifano on guitar, Samuel Kiel on bass, and Teunis Loot on drums. As part of Amsterdam’s new generation of jazz musicians, M.A.S.T. seamlessly blends classic and contemporary styles, drawing inspiration from jazz legends such as Logan Richardson, Ambrose Akinmusire, Joe Henderson, and Paul Bley. The quartet’s music is characterized by intricate compositions, dynamic improvisation, and heartfelt expression.

Daan Sanders Quartet

Daan Sanders, piano
Adrian Bifano, guitar
Stef Joosten, electric bass
Miklós Kovács, drums

Where jazz, fusion and classical come together: the Amsterdam-based Daan Sanders Quartet creates raw sounds and dreamy melodies. A journey from ferocious to calm; from Berlin to Amsterdam; from the rough guitar sound of Kurt Rosenwinkel to the sultry piano vibes of Brad Mehldau. Prepare for intense jazz that makes no bones about it: this is the Daan Sanders Quartet.

Samuel Kiel’s Sonic Choir

Samuel Kiel, double bass
Francisco Garrido, guitar
Adrian Bifano, guitar
Mikael Asmundsson, guitar
Ludvig Søndergaard, drums
Ketija Karahona, flute
Miguel Valente, alto saxophone
Micheal Murray, alto saxophone

Samuel Kiel’s Sonic Choir is not a choir. At least not in the sense that anyone is using their vocal chords to sing. But we are singing, and we are using our voices. We are all formed by different backgrounds and with different upbringings. We are all sculptured by the sounds and the music we’ve been exposed to. The songs my mom sang for me before falling asleep. The music he heard from an old CD lying behind the CD-player. The music she studied to become greater. We all have a voice and in this band we ARE using it. Together, with music composed by Samuel Kiel, we try our best to project our joined voices to the people. This 8-piece band takes you through a sonic memory lane, and inhabits a unique sound in theAmsterdam jazz scene. When you hear them, you will be reminded of bands like Paul Motion E.B.B.B or Keith Jarret’s American quartet.

Imperfect Bread

Līva Dumpe, vocals
Federica Lorusso, piano
Aleksander Sever, vibraphone
Misha Voeykov, electric bass
Rod Oughton, drums
Sekou van Heusen, percussions

Hailing from various different corners of Europe, the members of Imperfect Bread bonded over their shared love of world music. The band plays the original music of British drummer/composer Rod Oughton, who has been influenced by his travels in Brazil, Cuba and east Africa. Imperfect Bread was awarded the Incentive Prize at the 2022 Keep an Eye International Jazz Award competition, and is gaining a reputation as being one of the most exciting new projects emerging from the Amsterdam jazz scene. They’ve performed at such venues as the Bimhuis (as part of the Rough Diamonds festival) and in Nieuw-Vennep (as part of the Meer JazzFestival). They are currently working towards their debut album, which they expect to record in early 2023.

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