Thomas Decock en Artan Buleshkaj – albumrelease Frontier People

Belgian guitarists Thomas Decock and Artan Buleshkaj found each other in 2024 through their shared love of Americana. During the musicians’ spontaneous jam sessions, their focus quickly shifted from jazz standards to folk and country influences, resulting in the intimate album Plain Songs. W.E.R.F. Records released the album in 2024. It was warmly received by the press and on the radio, and featured, amongst other things, in Knack’s top 10 jazz releases that same year. 

Now a new adventure is on the cards: a dynamic quintet setting out to create a unique sound. Double bassist Yannick Peeters and drummer Lionel Beuvens bring their versatile rhythmic partnership to the table, whilst saxophonist Werend van den Bossche (Dishwasher_) adds a fresh energy with his exploration of the intersections between jazz and Appalachian folk. This deliberate blend of experienced musicians and uninhibited new talent ensures an exciting cross-pollination of influences and techniques.

The new repertoire consists entirely of original material. The intimacy of Plain Songs remains palpable, but is given a more powerful sound, with rock influences and a richer production. The result is a band that not only builds on the past, but also seeks its own voice in the present. That quest takes shape on a new release on W.E.R.F. Records, and is explored in greater depth in a documentary.

In collaboration with Jazzlab.