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Ben Sluijs
Ben Sluijs: True Nature
by AAJ Staff
On the recently released Ancesthree, Belgian alto saxophonist Ben Sluijs led a heartfelt, swinging session of bop-based chamber jazz. Now, on True Nature, Sluijs and his top-shelf European quartet tackle a program of post bop and free music, and the results are delightful.
With a front line of two saxophonists and no chording instrument, the lineup of the Sluijs band recalls Ornette Coleman's great quartet of 1970-71, which included Dewey Redman, Charlie Haden, and Ed Blackwell. And indeed, ...
read moreBen Sluijs/Hendrik Braeckman/Piet Verbist: Ancesthree
by AAJ Staff
Ancesthree is a live recording by three estimable Belgian jazz musicians. This is music of the deepest intimacy, a three-way conversation of tangible substance, and one that dances forward with sturdy, lilting swing. With their seemingly casual brilliance, these musicians have created a genuinely great jazz record.
Ben Sluijs plays alto saxophone on Ancesthree. At times, his long, spiraling lines might recall Lee Konitz. But Sluijs plays with a robust, slightly jagged sweet-and-sour tone that is quite unlike ...
read moreBen Sluijs & Erik Vermeulen: Stones
by Glenn Astarita
The Belgium-based, 'Jazz Halo' modern jazz label was founded five years ago and has already amassed a noteworthy catalogue, featuring respected artists such as bassist, Joelle Leandre and saxophonist, Oliver Lake while also highlighting the abilities of Belgian jazz musicians. Such is the case with this new release titled, Stones, which is a short story (included in booklet format) by writer, Emile Clemens, artfully set to music by alto saxophonist, Ben Sluijs and pianist, Erik Vermeulen.
Perhaps lesser known on ...
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