From Amsterdam to Harlem
Together with the National Jazz Museum of Harlem, New Amsterdam Jazz organized an event in May 2021 to showcase the Roots & Routes of jazz in the Netherlands. In From Amsterdam To Harlem, The National Jazz Museum in Harlem and New Amsterdam Jazz celebrated the historical and musical connection they share by showcasing the Roots and Routes of the Amsterdam jazz scene in the Netherlands’ foremost jazz venue: Bimhuis. The night showed three separate yet complementary interpretations of the theme as they relate to Amsterdam: social-historical roots, Dutch improv jazz roots, and Routes to Amsterdam. The night also included two conversations with each of the bandleaders discussing their respective perspectives on the theme.
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1
Smandem
70 years since the first Moluccans came to the Netherlands, bandleader of SMANDEM. Rafael Sinay celebrates his roots through his music. SMANDEM. is a young band with a new urban sound, a mixture of R&B, jazz, and folk music. They are a group with a mission: “For us, jazz is a mixture of styles and cultures. We share a love for today’s popular music and strive to create a sound that combines all of our influences into something relevant.”
2
Benjamin Herman Trio ft. Oscar Jan Hoogland
Core to the Dutch jazz historical and cultural roots is the “Amsterdam school” of jazz improv – with pianist and composer Misha Mengelberg as one of its key figures. Celebrated alto saxophone player Benjamin Herman shows the legacy and continuation of his work together with his trio and improv jazz pianist Oscar Jan Hoogland.
3
Fuensanta Méndez Ensamble Grande
Home to 180 different nationalities, Amsterdam is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Fuensanta Mendez’s Ensamble Grande shows the breadth of nationalities that together make Amsterdam’s diverse and inclusive jazz scene. With 10 band members, each from a different country – from Turkey to Brazil, from South Korea to Israel, from Denmark to Portugal – each of these musicians made their Route to Amsterdam. Through her lyrics, Mexican-born bandleader, composer, vocalist, and bassist Fuensanta Mendez’ serves as a megaphone and advocate for social justice issues present in Mexico today.