Jazz for the New Millennium featuring the VW Brothers with trombonist Wayne Wallace, Dave Matthews, Ray Obiedo, Sheila E., Michael Spiro, Peter Michael Escovedo and more “Drawing from their vast collective musical experiences in jazz, classical, funk, Brazilian, and Afro-Cuban music, Paul and Marc van Wageningen's debut CD “Muziek” is a testimony to their dedication, artistry and emergence as leaders in the ongoing tradition of musical diversity.” - Wayne Wallace
After years of sharing their talents with many great international musicians, (Tower of Power, Paul Winters, Sheila E., George Duke, Paquito D'Rivera and the Caribbean Jazz Project, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Pete Escovedo) the VW Brothers have stepped to the forefront as leaders with their debut CD “Muziek,” to be released March 9, 2010 on Patois Records.
With “Muziek,” drummer Paul van Wageningen and bassist Marc van Wageningen (Vah-ga-ning-un) have created a marvelous alchemic example of the possibilities of what jazz continues to offer us in the new millennium. While embracing and honoring tradition, “Muziek” explores and reconfirms our shared legacy and connections in modern music by combining and meshing styles. “Muziek” features eight original compositions, from the neo-classical stylings of “Euro,” to the simmering San Francisco's East Bay funk of “You Guys Done Yet?,” A gorgeous Brazilian ballad titled “Benito,” provides a passionate contrast to the Afro-Cuban jazz of “Zapatos De Madera.” The release's stunning new versions of the Miles Davis classic “Milestones” and “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?” by Michel Legrand confirm what colleagues have known for years, the VW Brother's are blessed with creativity and their passionate interpretations make these well played jazz standards a joy to hear again.
Born and raised in Amsterdam, Holland, Paul and Marc van Wageningen (Vah-ga-ning-un) studied at the Amsterdam Conservatory of Music. Paul moved to New York in 1976 to be closer to the American jazz scene and then relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area. Marc came to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1980. They both acclimated to the Bay Area scene and quickly found work. Their resumés as first-call sidemen and touring musicians read as a “Who's Who” of multi-generational stars spanning a variety of musical genres.
“Muziek” is a beautiful display of heartfelt lyricism and purposeful virtuosity that we will be enjoying for years to come.
