The Guy Salamon Group is one of the most remarkable bands in the current flourishing Dutch jazz scene. Their new album Free Hugs unfolds in a post-absurdist dimension, telling the adventures of the Shmoskers, a group of Egg-X people, who are trying to find their way home after being lost in an alternate universe. Wild improvisations intermingle with carefully developed melodies. Think of Willem Breuker Kollektief and Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra, but also Balkan and Celtic folk: a chaotic but coherent sound.
The ensemble excels in breaking boundaries of genres and styles while at the same time using contemporary jazz elements. The eight-piece group has received rave reviews: ‘Kaleidoscopic, brilliant madness of and Amsterdam-based jazz drummer and composer Guy Salamon. His compositions, from swing and punk to polka, spin around in a merry-go-round full of musical joy’ (NRC).
Alistair Payne trumpet, Ian Cleaver trumpet, José Soares alto saxophone, Lucas Martinez tenor saxophone, Xavi Torres piano, Teis Semey guitar, Brodie Jarvie bass, Guy Salamon drums/composition