Lancement Jazz in Belgium

Launched 25 years ago and dedicated to the jazz community in Belgium, Jazz in Belgium is getting a makeover. Available in three languages, from now on collaborative and participative, this tool for the promotion and dissemination of Belgian jazz will be accessible to all without condition. After the official presentation, this season’s opening will continue with two eclectic concerts to (re)discover Belgian jazz!

Saxophonist Ben Sluijs is undeniably one of the staple figures of the Belgian jazz scene. In this new quartet, he is joined by two particularly promising talents: Bram De Looze on the piano and Lennart Heyndels on double bass, along another legend of Belgian jazz, drummer Dré Pallemaerts. A relentless musician, Ben Sluijs surprises us with powerful and lyrical interpretations. Both reassuring and full of mystery, this new music of his rides on clear melodies, harmonies that are both rich and sober, as well as surprising influences. His repertoire constantly offers glimpses of new freedom and stories.

Created in Brussels, Yôkaï boats a large line-up of 8 multi-instrumentalists out of jazz, rock & improvisation scenes. Their music travels through delicate compositions, hypnotic grooves and coarse improvisations, exposing the listener to a novel blend of jazz, ethnic music and psychedelia. Hard to pigeonhole, Yokai’s music manages to find a fresh spot between ethio-jazz, Ennio Morricone’s soundtracks, 70’s psych-rock and french composer François de Roubaix subtle harmonies. On stage, the band’s unique performances are an invitation to open your ears, get itchy feet, dance and move around or get lost in your inner dreams.