Voorronde B-Jazz Contest - Rataplan

In the B-Jazz International Contest, Muziekmozaïek, Leuven Jazz, De Jazzontspooring and Rataplan are looking for young jazz talent ready to break through on international stages. B-Jazz wants to discover, support and encourage these talents. This international competition gives them the chance to perform in front of a professional jury and an enthusiastic audience.

At Rataplan, the second preliminary round will go ahead with three bands. After the third preliminary round ends, we will find out who will advance to the B-Jazz final in autumn 2024. Two Belgian groups will then compete against four international jazz bands for the Albert Michiels Grand Prix. The winner will be able to perform on international stages in Spain, Italy, Romania, the Netherlands and - of course - Belgium.

    19:00: doors open
    20:00 - 20:40: Anaphora
    21:00 - 21:40: Minla
    22:00 - 22:40: Tomer Cohen Trio

Anaphora

Queer pianist and composer Filippo Deorsola presents Anaphora, a trio that "mixes different genres and rhythms in an incredibly controlled and enjoyable way" [Best of Jazz, US]. In their music, non-European musical traditions become tools to provide the piano trio with unexpected grooves and surprising textures. Listeners are invited into a captivating exploration of sound. Anaphora released their debut album Lexicon (Auand Records) in April 2022 to positive international reviews (Best of Jazz US, Jazz Magazine France).

Minla

Minla is a Brussels-based band consisting of singer Mirte Leconte and trumpeter Marthe van Droogenbroeck. Built around voice and trumpet, their music blends elements of acoustic and electronica into a warm mix of different genres with roots in jazz. They recorded their first EP in full band in February 2023 with Nina Kortekaas (keys), Felix Declerck (electric bass) and Matthias De Waele (drums). Pianist Diederik Wissels also participated on one of the songs. In 2020, Minla was selected as a young jazz talent at Dinant jazz and played sold-out concerts. Since the beginning of this year, they have been residents at Volta (Brussels).

Tomer Cohen Trio

Tomer Cohen Trio plays alternative jazz with Middle Eastern influences, jazz from the NYC scene, folk and rock. "He's one to watch and listen for" - Downbeat Magazine | "Tomer Cohen, a Young Exciting Israeli Jazz Guitarist" - Jazz Guitar Today. Tomer Cohen was born in the US, but spent his childhood in rural Israel. He picked up the guitar at a young age and from then on he knew that music was his purpose in life. Over the years, Tomer has become a promising talent on the NYC jazz scene. Tomer writes a story that connects with the audience on a deep level, thus inviting the audience to actively participate in his musical journey. "That way we can give words to instrumental music," he says. These days, Tomer is focusing on his next album, "Story of a Traveler'', with his trio (Cyrille Obermüller & Gert-Jan Dreessen) and Shai Maestro as guests.

www.bjazz.be
https://www.rataplanvzw.be/e/b-jazz-contest