30/11/2010, 21:30

NIELS ENGEL - JESSE VAN RULLER PROJECT

We are very happy and proud to present you this very special event,
as opening act for the 1st edition of the Sharp9 FESTIVAL taking place
in our walls!

Jesse van Ruller, born 1972, won the Thelonious Monk Competition

in Washington in 1995. The jury, consisting of Pat Metheny, John Scofield,

Jim Hall, Pat Martino and Mark Whitfield, was of the opinion that

van Ruller is one of the most promising talents of his time.

He graduated summa cum laude from the Hilversum Conservatory in 1995,

where he studied with Wim Overgaauw. Since then he has performed with

numerous renowned musicians and ensembles amongst wich are

George Duke, Joe Lovano, Pat Metheny, Peter Erskine, Mike Stern,

Tom Harrell, Philip Catherine, Toots Thielemans, the Roy Hargrove Quintet,

WDR Big Band, Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Berliner Philharmoniker.

Besides leading his own trio Jesse plays a siginificant role in the Jazz Orchestra

of the Concertgebouw and he works as a sideman in groups of vocalist

Francien van Tuinen and Fleurine, pianist Michiel Borstlap and in duo

with Fellow-guitarist Maarten van der Grinten.

Jesse recently introduced a new collaboration with Michiel Borstlap

on keyboards, Jeroen Vierdag on bass and Martijn Vink on drums and

electronic rhythms, under the name REDUX.

Electronic beats and loops are used as a basis for improvisation.

A fresh new sound coming straight from Amsterdam!

Amsterdam is also currently the residency of Niels Engel, a young,

amazing drum talent from luxembourg. Niels is currently studying at the

Conservatory from Amsterdam.

Jesse and Niels will be accompanied by Sean Fasciani on the bass and

Ben van Gelder on saxophone.