KVEMA Edition 2 - The Finalists
Out of 65 registered bands only 30 were chosen for the semi-finals. They worked hard to gather as much public votes as possible and secure the sixth jury vote with this. The other five votes came from the jury members who accessed each band based on their band profile and online materials. Introducing the finalists:
James Martin Band – New Orleans, USA
With a mixture of original material and some classics, the James Martin Band is a high energy contemporary New Orleans Jazz/Funk Band featuring some of the city's top next-generation talents. It's all funky and danceable; ala Harry Connick Jr. meets Dr. John and the Meters. The band's latest album debuted recently at #9 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts. Check out their band profile on the bands page.
Matthijs Geerts Band – Rotterdam, The Netherlands
‘’Contemporary jazz in its most hybrid form’’. Matthijs Geerts Band brings a new sound that has yet to be found in Europe. Blending acoustic and electric elements seamlessly. All this reinforced by a musical dreamteam of Thomas Pol, Michiel Stekelenburg, Jesse Schilderink and Davy Henket. Check out their band on the bands page.
Sons of Freud’s Wife – Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Sons of Freud's Wife is a six piece international,compelling band that was funded around its member's love for the music of Jazz Idiom, Charles Mingu's. The Sons will leave you with a full heart and a dancing soul through its In-your-face,chaotic and humorous musical attitude and appearance on stage. Check out their band on the bands page.
The Fried Seven – Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Winner of the Jury Prize, edition 1)
Brought together by a love of Early Jazz, the Fried Seven is a group of young musicians that plays exciting, swinging music inspired by New Orleans bands and the Swing Era. The band members come from different parts of Europe, with different backgrounds and languages but are united in their passion for this music. The repertoire they play ranges from Louis Armstrong’s Hot Seven to Duke Ellington compositions, as well as original arrangements made specially for this band. Within this mixed program the band mixes ensemble playing with improvised solos in which each member’s unique voice gets a chance to shine. Check out their band on the bands page. We are extremely excited for the finale on June 2. This time the event will take place at Podium Azijnfabriek in Den Bosch. A bigger venue, with room for more spectators. The event will be invite only, but keep an eye out for ticket giveaways on our socials!