After the focus on Norway last year, we are again choosing a central guest. Better yet: in 2022 there will be two central guests. This time, we have opted resolutely for strong musicians from our own soil: multi-talents Lara Rosseel and Vitja Pauwels are at the top of our line-up.
Bassist and composer Lara Rosseel made a big impression with her DIY debut album De Grote Vrouw, which was released in 2020. Her music, which is laced with influences she absorbed during her many travels in all corners of the world, always stands out for its organic power. In February 2022, she released her second album, Hert. In March she played a very successful and sold-out concert in Nona. During BRAND! you can see her in various guises: from solo on double bass to a 14-strong ensemble, put together especially for BRAND!
The second central guest is guitarist Vitja Pauwels, best known as the frontman of BOMBATAZ, but also of Naima Joris and Warm Bath, among others. With traditions in mind and the latest technology in his hands, Pauwels goes in search of cross-pollinations. He is attracted by contrasts, intuitive composition and unconventional forms of expression. He will also realise his dream project: a collaboration with master Marc Ribot (musician with Tom Waits, Elvis Costello and others).
Apart from these two central guests, there is of course a lot more to discover during BRAND! You can let yourself be carried away by the magisterial voice of Naima Joris, who will be presenting her long-awaited first album together with her band, and you can discover the up-and-coming generation: Aki makes intoxicatingly beautiful music with Joachim Badenhorst (central guest of the first BRAND) as an extra acquisition, while Profound Observer, around monster talent Lennert Baerts (and with Vitja Pauwels), will be collaborating with Beljazz icon Bert Joris.
Besides Marc Ribot, some more international stars make their appearance. Belgian jazz engine Teun Verbruggen presents Blind Io, with Bram De Looze, Ingrid Laubrock and Ikue Mori. The duo Alexander Hawkins & Tomeka Reid is considered a masterly Transatlantic connection, and Gard Nilssen Acoustic Unity breathes new life into the well-known sax trio format. What they present is simply irresistible!
In this way, BRAND! once again presents an adventurous programme that will appeal to both ardent fans and new discoverers.
Thursday 24 november
20u00 Profound Observer feat. Bert Joris
Friday 25 november
20u30 Alexander Hawkins & Tomeka Reid
22u00 Gard Nilssen Acoustic Unity
Saturday 26 november
19u00 Aki feat. Joachim Badenhorst
20u30 Lara Rosseel Orchestra - ARK
Sunday 27 november
Thursday 1 december