Musicians from Amsterdam, Chicago and Boston come together in The Whammies. Founded in 2012, this international all-star band led by Jorrit Dijkstra has already released two CDs, both of them dedicated to the strongly imaginative music of the legendary American soprano saxophonist and improviser Steve Lacy.
Saxophone player Jorrit Dijkstra dedicated himself to improvised music after witnessing a performance by Lacy and drummer Han Bennink. In the 1980s Bennink regularly performed with Lacy and now he’s part of The Whammies.
Dijkstra underscores that Lacy’s music made a connection with elements of daily life. For example, ‘Ducks’ was written on the shores of a duck pond, which is obvious from the sound of the piece. Nature and poetry were important points of departure for Lacy.
Alongside Lacy’s better known pieces, The Whammies have also selected obscure works from his archive. The band plays Lacy music with a Dutch angle, for example compositions dedicated to the artists Piet Mondriaan and Vincent van Gogh. Conclusively, the repertory contains a few compositions by Thelonious Monk, a favorite of Lacy.
‘Well-listened, deeply collaborative music’ (Jazz Times).
The Bimhuis restaurant is open prior to the concert from 6.30 til 8.30PM (reservations via 020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free entrance).
Aterwards at the café: DJ Oscar Jan Hoogland a.k.a. De Platenbakker
Jorrit Dijkstra alt sax/lyricon, Jeb Bishop trombone, Pandelis Karayorgis piano, Mary Oliver viool / altviool, Jason Roebke bas, Han Bennink drums