Albert van Veenendaal (The Netherlands, 1956) toured the Dutch theatres with his own groups, like "Pavlov", his (piano) trio Veenendaal/Kneer/Sun, Spoon3 + 1 Fork (songs, improv & electronica). In 2001 he founded "Travelling Light", a platform for pianists to play together. He won the Dutch Jazz Competition of 2001 with his trio "On the Line" and organized 15 editions of the multidisciplinary festival:The Evening of the Longest/Shortest Night. He composed for and accompanied theatre- and dance companies and functions as teacher and leader of workshops. Van Veenendaal takes part of an ongoing series of literary concerts around well known Dutch writers. He is co-founder of Evil Rabbit Records, a label for contemporary improvised music. His compositional work is supported with a stipend by the Performing Arts Fund – an equivalent of the National Arts Council.
Albert van Veenendaal refers to himself as 'pictorial musician' because of the epical and cinematic character of his music. With an open approach and interaction with his fellow musicians he creates musical constructions that are unconventional and intuitive, displaying his unique style that is instantly recognizable. In his project 'Minimal Damage' Van Veenendaal engages in expanding the sound of a grand piano by preparing it accordingly.
Albert van Veenendaal refers to himself as 'pictorial musician' because of the epical and cinematic character of his music. With an open approach and interaction with his fellow musicians he creates musical constructions that are unconventional and intuitive, displaying his unique style that is instantly recognizable. In his project 'Minimal Damage' Van Veenendaal engages in expanding the sound of a grand piano by preparing it accordingly.
Drummer/composer/producer Michael Baird (Zambia, 1954) has British nationality, first 10
years in Zambia then ‘repatriated’ to England and resident in Holland since he
was thirteen.
After
years of playing jazz, notably with saxist Gijs Hendriks (NL) and recording
with amongst others Slide Hampton (USA), Raul Burnet (CUR), Sonny Grey (USA),
Siegfried Kessler (D), Joe Diorio (USA), Stan Tracey (GB), Kenny Wheeler (CAN),
he went his own way. Founded own label SWP Records in 1986. Led own group Sharp
Wood from 1985-96. Other own groups: sextet Pygmees & Elephants in 1995,
octet Utrecht Deep Artment in 1997-99, quintet CapeAbility in 2000, sextet
Trendy 3D Junk in 2000-02, solo project Gongs And Bells in 2002-3, sextet African
Abstractions in 2004-05, Rhythm Orgy 2008-11, various other projects and
composition commissions.
In own groups played and recorded with amongst others: Broer van den Bogaart (NL), Hans Hasebos (NL), Albert Veenendaal (NL), Jogi Gillis (SUR), Michel Massot (B), Michiel Borstlap (NL), Ben Gerritsen (NL), David Tronzo (USA), Vitold Rek (PL), Michael Moore (USA), Michel Godard (F), Mark Lotz (D), Tjitze Vogel (NL), Paul Weiling (D), Konkie Halmeyer (CUR), Kofi Ayivor (GHA), Ousmane Seye (SEN), Jeroen van Vliet (NL), Zoumana Diarra (MALI), Rick van Heerden (SA), Kamal al Hors (MAR), Patrick Votrian (USA), Oké Sene (SEN), Layba Diawarra (GUI), Lamin Kuyateh (GAM), Ebou Gaye Mada (GAM), Mamour Seck (SEN).
In own groups played and recorded with amongst others: Broer van den Bogaart (NL), Hans Hasebos (NL), Albert Veenendaal (NL), Jogi Gillis (SUR), Michel Massot (B), Michiel Borstlap (NL), Ben Gerritsen (NL), David Tronzo (USA), Vitold Rek (PL), Michael Moore (USA), Michel Godard (F), Mark Lotz (D), Tjitze Vogel (NL), Paul Weiling (D), Konkie Halmeyer (CUR), Kofi Ayivor (GHA), Ousmane Seye (SEN), Jeroen van Vliet (NL), Zoumana Diarra (MALI), Rick van Heerden (SA), Kamal al Hors (MAR), Patrick Votrian (USA), Oké Sene (SEN), Layba Diawarra (GUI), Lamin Kuyateh (GAM), Ebou Gaye Mada (GAM), Mamour Seck (SEN).
Compiled
and produced the monumental 22-cd series 'Historical Recordings by Hugh Tracey'
of African music from the 40s and 50s, released by SWP Records. Made own field
recordings in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, in 1996, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010 - also
released by SWP Records.