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Mark Haanstra

Bass player from the Netherlands

About Me

Mark Haanstra (1974) started with classical piano at the age of 6. Switched to bass in his teens and soon went to study bass guitar and double bass at the Conservatory of Hilversum. He graduated cum laude in September 1997 with an honorable mention for composition. He won several prices, including the ‘Dutch Jazz Competition’ with the ‘Nemesis Quartet’ (1994), ‘Geel’ (1998) and ‘Agog’ (2002).

His recognizable sound, groove and flexibility make him a much sought after musician by many artists, ensembles and orchestra’s in all genres; He has worked on several occasions with the Asko Schönberg and the Nieuw Ensemble, The North Netherlands Orchestra, The Royal Orchestra of the Concertgebouw and the New York Philharmonic.

Together with the Amsterdam Percussion Group he toured extensively with world famous drummer Terry Bozzio in 2006 and 2007. In 2010 they toured all over the Netherlands with Toto drummer Simon Phillips.

Through his work with the Catch Electric Guitar Quartet he got in touch with composer/guitarist Steven Mackey. They played and recorded his Grammy award nominated orchestral piece ‘Dreamhouse’. Soon after they met Steve asked him for his progressive rock band Big Farm that got premiered May 2008 in New York. Their critically acclaimed debut album, which was released in 2013, also received a Grammy nomination.

His regular activities however are: Yuri Honing's Wired Paradise and the Barnicle Bill Trio (with Miguel Martinez and John Engels). Recently he became part of the new band Batik led by ECM artist Wolfter Brederode. Since 2013 he became part of the new young all-star septet Windkracht 7. Both groups will release their first cd in the first half of 2014.

The last years he has toured all over the world with several bands. Mark can be heard on over 30 CD's. Since 2004 he teaches bass guitar and ensemble at the Prins Claus Conservatory in Groningen

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