The 29th season of Jazz Middelheim kicks off Thursday August 12th with another exceptional line-up at Antwerp's Park Den Brandt.
Jazz Middelheim is not Belgium's longest festival or feature the most multiple musical genres, but it is definitely among the best of any region in regard to distinctive depth and quality. If you're primarily a jazz fan, that focus on sticking to a fundamental form is a very positive factor.
That doesn't mean Jazz Middelheim only contains standard shows from the usual suspects, or that they don't run outside the mainstream or take experimental risks. Of the many fine festivals in Belgium, including the excellent larger and nearby Gent Jazz, Jazz Middleheim has carved its own grand scale persona. With one stage area that generally features three or four major performances each evening and an inviting open air venue, Jazz Middelheim seems like a “music fair" consisting of individual multi-act concerts running four days in a row.
Jazz Middelheim's reputation for signing special appearances continues. Last year, the improvisational trio of Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed, and John Zorn represented a “promotional coup" and this year's opportunities for rare sightings include one of Cassandra Wilson's few European dates, the sometimes elusive Wayne Shorter, and the Archie Shepp Quartet with special guests Roswell Rudd and Leon Parker in an ensemble fill in for the late Hank Jones.
“In terms of major talent for the price, Jazz Middelheim is one of the best consistent concert bargains in this part of the Euro zone," notes All About Jazz correspondent Phillip Woolever. “Jazz Middelheim does everything right, including widespread available seating and sight lines, and convenient free parking."
With four day passes listed at less than 100 euros (approximately 130 US dollars) or day tickets at 29 euros (36 dollars), Jazz Middelheim remains one of the best musical values for any time of year.
The scene includes worthwhile jazz radio sponsored mobile broadcast booths and one of the best Thai chicken stands on the continent. There's also a chance to cast an informal eye on serious new jazz talent with nightly jam sessions collaborated by the Antwerp Conservatory. Bring your instrument if you are ready.
Every jazz fan should be ready for an exciting experience at Jazz Middelheim.
Jazz Middelheim is not Belgium's longest festival or feature the most multiple musical genres, but it is definitely among the best of any region in regard to distinctive depth and quality. If you're primarily a jazz fan, that focus on sticking to a fundamental form is a very positive factor.
That doesn't mean Jazz Middelheim only contains standard shows from the usual suspects, or that they don't run outside the mainstream or take experimental risks. Of the many fine festivals in Belgium, including the excellent larger and nearby Gent Jazz, Jazz Middleheim has carved its own grand scale persona. With one stage area that generally features three or four major performances each evening and an inviting open air venue, Jazz Middelheim seems like a “music fair" consisting of individual multi-act concerts running four days in a row.
Jazz Middelheim's reputation for signing special appearances continues. Last year, the improvisational trio of Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed, and John Zorn represented a “promotional coup" and this year's opportunities for rare sightings include one of Cassandra Wilson's few European dates, the sometimes elusive Wayne Shorter, and the Archie Shepp Quartet with special guests Roswell Rudd and Leon Parker in an ensemble fill in for the late Hank Jones.
“In terms of major talent for the price, Jazz Middelheim is one of the best consistent concert bargains in this part of the Euro zone," notes All About Jazz correspondent Phillip Woolever. “Jazz Middelheim does everything right, including widespread available seating and sight lines, and convenient free parking."
With four day passes listed at less than 100 euros (approximately 130 US dollars) or day tickets at 29 euros (36 dollars), Jazz Middelheim remains one of the best musical values for any time of year.
The scene includes worthwhile jazz radio sponsored mobile broadcast booths and one of the best Thai chicken stands on the continent. There's also a chance to cast an informal eye on serious new jazz talent with nightly jam sessions collaborated by the Antwerp Conservatory. Bring your instrument if you are ready.
Every jazz fan should be ready for an exciting experience at Jazz Middelheim.
