The Ramon van Merkenstein Trio conveys their love for performing jazz music and adores connecting with their audience. These are jazz players who can make their music dance deviously or swell like ocean waves. The Ramon van Merkenstein Trio takes command of their music and they take it on a journey. Adventurous, with creative freedom and beyond what’s comfortable.
The trio’s debut album ‘Quiet Dreams’ was release October 2021 on the label homerecords.be
Lucas Bakker Quartet – Lucas Bakker (b. 2009), the young Ghent native with Flemish-Dutch roots, plays alto, tenor, and soprano saxophone. In addition to playing, he also composes his own pieces. With his first creation, “Polar,” he won the composition competition of the Nederlands Blazers Ensemble in 2022. In 2023, he won the first prize at the Prinses Christina Jazz Concours in the 12-15 age category at the BIMHUIS in Amsterdam with pieces including “Toots Toast,” an original composition in tribute to Toots Thielemans. Through his passionate playing and virtuosic improvisations at such a young age, Lucas leaves a deep impression on many.
Musicians
Lucas Bakker – Saxophone
Marc Sperber – Piano
Ramon van Merkenstein – Double Bass
Kobe Bakker – Drums
The New Yorkers perform The Great American Songbook. Popular jazz standards. Sinatra swing. Armstrong hits. Iconic love ballads. New York style. Born in the Bronx and longtime resident in Brussels, Tom McGuire loves to croon jazz. He also continues to entertain on Broadway in New York City.
In quartet, quintet or sextet, The New Yorkers always showcase soloist virtuosity that adds creative energy to jazz jewels. In 2024, The New Yorkers made their concert debut in Paris with sold-out shows and critically acclaimed.
Musicians
Mathieu De Wit – music director & piano, Tom McGuire – vocals, Ramon van Merkenstein – double bass, Lieven Venken – drums
The van Merkenstein & di Franco Duo is presenting a mix of original compositions and innovative arrangements of jazz and popular music. This double bass and guitar duo embraces both traditional and modernistic styles.
ARCHIPELAGOS is a band inspired by Francesca Remigi’s personal research on Zygmunt Bauman’s thoughts on the decadence of the current society. The main purpose is to represent some of his principals through music: the mathematical and rhythmic rigor of the compositions (which symbolizes a highly organized society that oppresses individuals) is contrasted with moments of radical free improvisation (individuals rising up against pre-established social schemes).
This music tries to communicate a positive message of solidarity and hope in mankind, where music inspires people to stick together and to feel as if they belong to a common ARCHIPELAGOS.
Musicians
Claire Parsons – vocals and effects, Federico Calcagno – bass clarinet, Simon Groppe – piano, Ramon van Merkenstein – double bass, Francesca Remigi – drums and compositions
Holly Blue is a modern jazz band based in Brussels. The band was founded in the spring of 2018 by Dutch singer Renée Steenvoorden. The band plays mainly original compositions in a modern jazz style with influences of pop and folk music. In addition they also play jazz standards in a more traditional way.
Inspired by today’s society, the beautiful nature and traditional folk music from Ireland and Scotland, you’ll hear a unique sound: melodic, catchy, surprising chords, twists and rhythms played by jazz musicians of today.
Musicians
Renée Steenvoorden – vocals, Yu-Ting Li – piano, Ramon van Merkenstein – double bass, Francesca Remigi – drums