Jazz Articles about Ben Sluijs

The Unplayables: Harmonic Integration

by AAJ Italy Staff
September 29, 2008

Classe ’67, l’alto-sassofonista belga Ben Sluijs è una delle voci più originali ed avventurose della scena jazz europea. Un artista capace come pochi altri di seguire senza compromessi e sirene commerciali la sua musa musicale, in un personale flusso creativo in bilico tra le influenze coltraniane e le suggestioni della più feconda avanguardia degli anni ’80. Sesto disco da leader, quarto per la DeWerf, Harmonic Integration si segnala ancora una volta per un pensiero compositivo che trascende l’abusato modern mainstrem, ...

Ben Sluijs: True Nature

by AAJ Staff
November 9, 2005

On the recently released Ancesthree, Belgian alto saxophonist Ben Sluijs led a heartfelt, swinging session of bop-based chamber jazz. Now, on True Nature, Sluijs and his top-shelf European quartet tackle a program of post bop and free music, and the results are delightful.

With a front line of two saxophonists and no chording instrument, the lineup of the Sluijs band recalls Ornette Coleman's great quartet of 1970-71, which included Dewey Redman, Charlie Haden, and Ed Blackwell. And indeed, ...

Ben Sluijs/Hendrik Braeckman/Piet Verbist: Ancesthree

by AAJ Staff
September 19, 2005

Ancesthree is a live recording by three estimable Belgian jazz musicians. This is music of the deepest intimacy, a three-way conversation of tangible substance, and one that dances forward with sturdy, lilting swing. With their seemingly casual brilliance, these musicians have created a genuinely great jazz record.

Ben Sluijs plays alto saxophone on Ancesthree. At times, his long, spiraling lines might recall Lee Konitz. But Sluijs plays with a robust, slightly jagged sweet-and-sour tone that is quite unlike ...

Ben Sluijs & Erik Vermeulen: Stones

by Glenn Astarita
November 1, 2001

The Belgium-based, 'Jazz Halo' modern jazz label was founded five years ago and has already amassed a noteworthy catalogue, featuring respected artists such as bassist, Joelle Leandre and saxophonist, Oliver Lake while also highlighting the abilities of Belgian jazz musicians. Such is the case with this new release titled, Stones, which is a short story (included in booklet format) by writer, Emile Clemens, artfully set to music by alto saxophonist, Ben Sluijs and pianist, Erik Vermeulen.

Perhaps lesser known on ...