Pianist Erik van der Luijt's new album “Express Yourself” has just been released to wonderful reviews in The Netherlands.
This is his first private production for his piano trio, further consisting of Branko Teuwen on double bass and Victor de Boo on drums. Erik, residing in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, has been leading his trio for several years now, but only recently started writing his own material.
To date Erik has contributed to numerous projects, among which are recordings with the Metropole Orchestra, performances with The Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, Rita Reys, Greetje Kauffeld, Madeline Bell, Piet Noordijk and many others. He studied at the Royal Conservatory in Den Haag, The Netherlands, with Rob van Kreeveld and Rob van Bavel.
Erik married singer Ilse Huizinga in 1998 and they have a daughter, Ellen. Together they produced Ilse's 4 albums to date, all arranged by Erik.
What others say: “A masterpiece. One of the most interesting piano cd's of this year, played by a piano giant.” Klaas Koopman, De Gooi- en Eemlander.
“Erik van der Luijt doesn't need jazz standards to excel, he creates them himself. “Express Yourself” is a marvellous album for which Erik has written very attractive and refined compositions. He is a master of beautiful melodies. With this album his previous ones look pale...” Ton Ouwehand, Twentsche Courant/Tubantia
“So diverse, the upbeat latin tune 'Havana Blue', the intimate 'Ilse & Ellen' and the baroque 'Corleone' all seem to originate from different minds” Frans van Leeuwen, NRC Handelsblad
“A faboulous album with wonderful compositions in sparkling colours. On “Express Yourself” Erik displays his sublime control over and literally plays with his instrument.” Rolf H. Polak, www.jazzflits.nl
