Angelo Verploegen
Biography Angelo Verploegen
Angelo Verploegen
(1961) a prolific trumpeter and flugelhorn virtuoso, embarked on his musical odyssey in the small town of Oss, Netherlands, where he joined the local brass band at the age of 11. His journey led him to embrace the trumpet, and in 1980, he set course for Amsterdam, enrolling in musicology at Amsterdam University and the Jazz Department of the Amsterdam Sweelinck Conservatory. Angelo's career blossomed within the vibrant Amsterdam music scene of the 1980s, as he delved into salsa, theater, and improvisation, collaborating with luminaries such as Jaap Blonk, Michael Moore, Larry Fishkind, and many more.
In 1986, Angelo's pivotal partnership with guitarist Corrie van Binsbergen laid the foundation for his diverse musical exploration. The formation of the sextet, The Houdini's, in 1987, marked a groundbreaking chapter, touring the world, recording with prominent ensembles, and collaborating with celebrated composers. His musical journey continued through different projects and collaborations, from Toïs to the Amsterdam Jazz Trio and exciting improvisational experiences. Angelo's career as an educator commenced in 2001, and his path eventually led to celebrated releases, awards, and partnerships with renowned musicians and bands like Michiel Braam's Bik Bent Braam , David Kweksilber Big Band, Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw and Metropole Orkest setting the stage for more musical adventures in the years to come.
Nils van Haften
(born 1969, The Netherlands) is a versatile Dutch saxophonist, conductor, and educator. Graduating with honors from the Rotterdam Conservatory (now Codarts) in 1994, he has established himself as an accomplished musician. As a saxophonist proficient in multiple reed instruments, including soprano, tenor, and baritone saxophones, clarinet, bass clarinet, and flute, Nils has recorded over 30 albums and performed with a wide array of ensembles such as The Bob Brookmeyer New Art Orchestra, The Dutch Jazz Orchestra, The Metropole Orkest, The Frankfurt Radio Bigband, and The New Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra. His talents extend beyond performing as he is also an acclaimed conductor, leading groups like The Dutch Jazz Collective, West Coast Big Band, and Bigband Blast. Nils has achieved remarkable success as a conductor, earning first prizes at the International Big Band Competition in The Netherlands in 2016, 2017, and 2022 with the West Coast Big Band and Bigband Blast. Nils is recognized for his distinct and exploratory playing style, echoing legends like Stan Getz, and has received high praise from luminaries in the world of jazz, including Bob Brookmeyer.
Marc van Roon
The accomplished Dutch jazz pianist Marc van Roon was born in The Hague in 1963. He studied jazz piano at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, honing his skills under the guidance of renowned teachers. Throughout his career, Marc has collaborated with various prominent musicians, including Ack van Rooyen, Michael Moore, Fay Claassen, Eric Vloeimans, and Greg Osby. Notably, he's known for his association with the European Jazz Trio and his contributions to their albums, working alongside accomplished jazz artists like Charlie Mariano, Art Farmer, and Jesse van Ruller. In addition to his impressive performing career, Marc is a dedicated educator, sharing his expertise as a teacher and mentor at various conservatories and institutions, such as the Prins Claus Conservatory, Codarts, and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. His commitment to jazz education extends to his involvement in curriculum development, making a significant impact on the next generation of jazz musicians.
Guus Bakker
born 1996, Guus Bakker completed his master's degree at the Rotterdam Conservatory, specializing in both the double bass and electric bass. Since then, Guus has become a highly sought-after bassist in the Dutch and Belgian music scenes. He has performed with artists spanning various musical genres, including pop, jazz, and chanson.
His collaborative projects have included working with musicians and bands such as Ellen ten Damme, Gare du Nord, Wende Snijders, Eric Vloeimans, Clazz ensemble, Rogier Telderman, Michiel Stekelenburg, Tutu Puoane, Dick de Graaf, Rembrandt Frerichs, Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra, and Wouter Hamel.
Apart from his extensive work as a sideman, Guus released his debut album as a bandleader in 2014. The album, titled "Polder," was released on ZenneZ Records and features exclusively composed tracks by Guus Bakker himself.
Jasper van Hulten
born in 1981, is an accomplished drummer who studied contemporary music and drums at the Rotterdam Conservatory. He embarked on a successful career performing with various ensembles and musicians, including singer Wouter Hamel, with whom he recorded five albums. Jasper's diverse journey also led him to the renowned electric-improvisation band 'Gatecrash,' under the leadership of trumpeter Eric Vloeimans, where they produced award-winning albums and toured extensively worldwide. In addition, he has collaborated with a multitude of respected artists, further establishing himself as a versatile and highly skilled drummer in the contemporary music scene. Notably, Jasper is a close collaborator with Angelo Verploegen, recording the critically acclaimed albums 'The Duke Book' (2019) and 'The Art of Traveling Light' (2020), alongside guitarist Wim Bronnenberg, showcasing his remarkable musicianship and versatility.
