BRAND 2024
JAZZFESTIVAL
On 24, 27, 28 and 30 November, jazz festival BRAND! flared up once again. The ninth edition was a feast of surprise and recognition, with an exquisite combination of domestic and foreign artists, united by their free and authentic voices.
On Sunday 24 November, for instance, we Dutch cult legends The Ex visited BRAND!. Only in Amsterdam and Mechelen they celebrated their 45th anniversary, with a real festival, for which they were joined by kindred souls, such as jazz legend Han Bennink, Chicago heavyweight Ken Vandermark, the legendary Marion Coutts (ex-Dog Faced Hermans), the Ethiopian phenomenon Etenesh Wassie and many, many more. Party!
On Wednesday 27 November we witnessed the saxophonist of the moment. James Brandon Lewis played his very first Belgian concert with his Red Lily Quintet in the Stadsschouwburg. With this band, he payed tribute to the music and figure of Mahalia Jackson. For Mahalia, with Love was some of the best music we heard in 2023.
On Thursday 28 November, we resolutely chose beauty with a splendid double bill. The collective aki around drummer Anke Verslype created audio cinema in which catchy melodies and free moments balanced each other. The duo Merope put an intoxicating spin on Lithuanian folk music with conjuring vocals, guitar and electronics. They presented their fifth album Vėjula with master Shahzad Ismaily (see: John Zorn, Marc Ribot, etc)
On closing day Saturday 30 November, we dived into the legacy of German improvisation icon Peter Brötzmann (1941-2023). With a film, a book presentation and four concerts - featuring a few of Brötzmann's contemporaries as well as young explorers in the free wing of jazz - we explored exactly what his legacy is and how it continues to inspire new generations.
– line-up –
James Brandon Lewis / Red Lily Quintet • aki • Merope feat. Shahzad Ismaily • The Ex • Han Bennink & Guro Kvåle + Zea & Xavier Charles • G.W. Sok • Terrie Ex • Ken Vandermark • Emma Fischer • Misale Legesse • Katherina Bornefeld • Frank Rosaly • Andy Moor • Marion Coutts • Lena Hessels • 'In the spirit of Peter Brötzmann': Hanne De Backer • Casper Van De Velde • Ornella Noulet • Adia Vanheerentals • Farida Amadou • Julien Desprez • Evan Parker • Camille Émaille
– 'RAND!' programme –
Film: Soldier of the Road - A Portrait of Peter Brötzmann • Boekvoorstelling: Daniel Spicer - Free-Jazz, Revolution and the Politics of Improvisation.
Together with Cultuurcentrum Mechelen. With the valued support by Eubelius and the National Lotery.