Wolter Wierbos March 3, 2008

The Bop Shop has always been a big supporter of the improvised music emanating from

Holland. In the past we have presented the Willem Breuker Kollektief many times, Ab Baar’s fantastic quartet Kinda Dukish and last year we presented a solo concert by brilliant bassist Wilbert DeJoode. So it is with great pride and excitement that the Bop Shop presents a solo concert by Dutch trombone master Wolter Wierbos. Wierbos has been a major participant on the Dutch jazz scene since he emerged in the late 70s. His wild and wooly sound was a main feature in groups such as Guus Janssen and Maarten Altena’s ensembles, Theo Lovendie’s quintet, J.C. Tans & The Rockets and many other bands. His wide-ranging musical interests have seen him collaborating with bands such as Dutch punks, The Ex and American noise merchants, Sonic Youth. He’s also played with Sean Bergin’s MOB which has developed a successful merger of jazz with South African groove. Currently Wierbos is a member of several of

Holland’s most exciting ensembles: the ICP Orchestra, Michael Moore’s Available Jelly, Michiel Brahm’s big band. Additionally, he has a running project under the name Wollo’s World, where he brings together different artistic combinations, ranging from duos with tap-dancer Marije Nie and bassist DeJoode to a quartet with Misha Mengelberg, Mats Gustafsson and DeJoode. Wierbos has recorded on over 100 albums and has released two solo recordings that we think are well worth checking out.

Wierbos has a big open sound that is clearly in the jazz tradition while forging a path for the future of the instrument. His technical mastery is a marvel but his music is not about a mere technical exhibit. Here’s how Steven Loewy sums up his style in All Music Guide:

there are few who can equal the machinations of Wolter Wierbos, whose distinctive, crazed, yet entertaining style charms while it impresses. Wierbos is one of those few trombonists almost always worth hearing. He takes chances, explores new territories, and expands the vocabulary of the horn.

We’re really looking forward to this one. His big, wide as the sky sound should reverberate throughout the Atrium. We know a solo trombone concert may seem like an unusual way to spend the evening but we have a feeling that if you show up, you will be treated to an entertaining set and you’ll be glad you did.

Official Website: http://bopshop.com