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VW Brothers

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.

Gear

Pearl Drums/ Paiste Cymbals,


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Album Review

VW Brothers: Muziek

Read "Muziek" reviewed by Raul d'Gama Rose


Muziek is much too nondescript a name for an album, but then it is signed off with humility as being by “VW Brothers." While this fact is likely to add to the album's mystique, it demands immediate redress, for this is the memorable document of a musical journey that began years before the Van Wageningen Brothers--that is who the VW Brothers are--arrived in the US from their native Netherlands. The Euro-centric origin of drummer Paul and his bass playing brother ...

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"Along the way there is much spectacular music, played by stars who sing and play like soul "brothers and sisters" on one of the year's most tasteful displays of musical composition, virtuoso playing and unbridled improvisation" - Raul d'Gama Rose, All About Jazz

"Being an in-demand sideman means helping others achieve their vision. With Muziek, the VW brothers finally get to show off Marc's writing chops, along with their considerable musical skills." - Felix Contreras, NPR

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Muziek

Patois Records
2010

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