Dutch Jazz on CD, compiled by Jan Verwey.
Theme: OAP Records – Barry Olthof.
(rerun of 17 October 2020).
The jazz label OAP Records has been around for about 20 years. Barry Olthof has his own studio in the centre of The Hague (Olthof Audio Productions).
All 4 of tonight’s CDs are from OAP.
Genzo Okabe is a Japanese altoist who studied in the Netherlands, a virtuoso, which is why he is not so easy to fathom. He often plays improvisations that are a little further away from the harmonies. ‘It’s like roasting meat, you have to keep at it for a while, but it does sizzle.
Miguel Rodrigues, a true star, who also performs with Ben van den Dungen, among others, on the piano, is a true asset.
Then the European Union Quartet, the quartet of Iman Spaargaren, a musician from the Bimhuis corner. A fine musician and composer, who has also performed abroad a lot with this line-up. Besides tenor and alto sax, he also plays bass clarinet.
This CD contains a lot of original compositions. After all those original compositions, we are going to play some Wayne Shorter standards by the band Think Tank; it has obviously been thought through. I didn’t know this quartet, a guitar/piano combination, with bass and drums. All original work except for the first track: ‘Speak no Evil’ and the last track: Ana Maria, both by Shorter. The last album is ‘Lovers & Friends’ by Gerrie van der Klei.
Surrounded by top musicians such as: Peter Niewerf – Jan Voogd – Ferdinand Povel – John Engels as well as Rob van Kreeveld, with whom she sings the last piece ‘Lush Life’ by Strayhorn (duo). An album worth owning, as a jazz lover.
Genzo Okabe – CD “Okabe Family” – 2013.
European Union Quartet – CD “The Dark Peak” – 2011.
Think Tank – CD “Pek Dek” – 2007.
Gerrie van der Klei – CD “Lovers & Friends” – 2012.
All productions OAP Records.
Technique: Willem van Schip
