Soirée spéciale Steve Houben

There was a time when, as part of the video evenings organized by the Maison du Jazz, inviting the main person involved was a (healthy) habit: we welcomed Jean-Louis Rassinfosse, Félix Simtaine, Fabrizio Cassol and Richard Rousselet, among others, with commentary, explanations, role-playing and, of course, anecdotes.

Over the years, the formula faded somewhat, until it was resurrected as part of the Jazz Portraits offered at the Brussels Jazz Station. Last season, for example, we were treated to the flesh-and-blood presence of Philip Catherine, Michel Debrulle and, more recently, Steve Houben.

Echoes of the Jazz Station evening had reached the Liège Conservatory, whose managers suggested we offer it on their premises. A logical request, given the role Steve has played on several occasions in the history of the conservatory in question. Back in 1979, during his stay at the famous Berklee School in Boston, Steve maintained an ongoing correspondence with Henri Pousseur, then the enlightened director of the Conservatoire de Liège. And together, on his return, they opened the legendary Séminaire de Jazz, the country's first jazz school. Although the experiment only lasted a few years, the idea caught on, and jazz eventually found its way into the country's various academies and conservatories. Time passed, and years later, in 2012, Steve became the first jazzman to hold the post of Conservatory Director. Here again, although the experience was short-lived, it undoubtedly set a precedent!

In his presence, of course, we'll take a look back at his long, bulimic career.

Free admission
Reservations required: reservations@crlg.be