De Beren Gieren

Better than anyone else, De Beren Gieren know how to blend an avant-garde sound with melodious pieces and references to the great classical composers of the 20th century. They effortlessly shift from more rigidly styled compositions to improvised sections and thus reveal the pulsating and ominous futuristic sound of a new world. More so than in previous albums, on “Dug Out Skyscrapers” (Sdban) harmonies and compelling grooves interact and disclose the future of the past... the album’s ‘Leitmotif’.

Like dedicated archaeologists from the future, De Beren Gieren use subtle electronic effects to uncover the potential of their acoustic instruments layer by layer. The piano echoes further, the drums split up into even more numerous fragments and the bass reaches deeper still into its musical universe. The compositions take on a 3D-dimension in this acoustic view-master and haul the listener from recognition to renewal, from nostalgia to exaltation.

In the space between expectation and surprise you will find De Beren Gieren (The Bears Vultures), providing robust evidence that gold can still be mined from the union of piano, bass and drums. The young trio, founded in 2009, is without any doubt part of the crumbs of the Belgian jazz scene. From 2010 ‘till 2015 they were artist in residence of art center Vooruit (Ghent) and received three awards at Jazz Hoeilaart (i.a. first prize). With their second album “a raveling” (2013) the band had an international break through and “The Detour Fish” (2014), a live recording with Portuguese trumpet player Susana Santos Silva, was critically acclaimed worldwide. In 2015 the third trio album “One Mirrors Many” was released and again critically acclaimed in Belgium and far beyond. Jazzism even praised it as ‘most influential & accurate album of 2015-16’.

In September 2017 they release “Dug Out Skyscrapers” on Belgian label Sdban. More so than in previous albums, harmonies and compelling grooves interact and disclose the future of the past... which is the album’s ‘Leitmotif’.

The triad is known for their unique energetic sound, sparkling melodies, complex structures and quirky song titles. They bring a blend of polyrhythmic soundscapes, sing-alongs and elitist twists, showing an ability to change mood quite suddenly in a way that constantly holds one’s attention. A live experience not to be missed!

The band played at every national jazz stage and is known far outside Belgium. De Beren Gieren played with international magnitudes as Jan Klare, Jean-Yves Evrard, Ernst Reijseger, Joachim Badenhorst, Marc Ribot and Louis Sclavis.

Awards

Klara's Award - 2018 Best belgian jazz album - Dug Out Skyscrapers

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