Tineke Postma + Theo Bleckmann

Last weekend, North Sea Jazz celebrated its 50th edition, and as always, there was plenty to enjoy. Good news for anyone who cannot get enough, or who missed the festival altogether: a fine line-up of musicians who made an impression there will be in our intimate venue from September on.

Take saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist Tomoki Sanders. As the son of the legendary Pharoah Sanders, he moves effortlessly between two worlds: the New York tradition of spiritual jazz and today’s beat and hip hop scene. He comes to our hall as part of Amsterdam Dance Event, with RADIOHOP beforehand and the Steppin’ Into Tomorrow afterparty to follow.

At North Sea Jazz, vocalist Ekep Nkwelle shared the stage with none other than Kenny Barron, a master pianist who played with greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz and Buddy Rich. She comes to our hall in October with her own band and music, as one of the rising jazz vocalists of the moment.

Patricia Brennan has been voted by critics as best vibraphonist in jazz, and she’s equally admired as a composer. Her septet sounds like a full orchestra, not only because of her layered music, but also because of the qualities of the band members, all noted players in improvised music. Their album Breaking Stretch was voted album of the year by the authoritative magazine Downbeat. With this group Brennan aims to defy expectations and challenge the musicians to push their boundaries.

Saxophonist Tineke Postma is one of the few Dutch jazz musicians regularly featured in DownBeat’s International Critics Poll. Her music is sometimes labeled post-bop, though that undersells her free, open approach. She received the Buma Boy Edgar Prize (2015) and was named European Musician of the Year by the Académie du Jazz in 2021. Fresh off a performance at North Sea Jazz, Postma brings her international group to BIMHUIS. A journey through wind, voice, and soul, featuring guest vocalist Theo Bleckmann.

Cellist Tomeka Reid also made an impression at this North Sea Jazz Festival. Since her debut as a bandleader in 2015, her quartet, with guitarist Mary Halvorson, bassist Jason Roebke and drummer Tomas Fujiwara, has grown into one of the most acclaimed.