Brussels Jazz Orchestra & David Liebman

The Brussels Jazz Orchestra is the Flemish jazz pride. The big band was founded in 1993 by Frank Vaganée, Serge Plume and Marc Godefroid and played its first notes in the Brussels jazz club “The Sounds”. The orchestra became an absolute must on the Belgian jazz stages and it became their mission to promote the Flemish repertoire and Flemish soloists. And so it happened: the Brussels Jazz Orchestra brought jazz to the Flemish people. But the ensemble's ambitions went further. Under the artistic direction of Frank Vaganée, the orchestra spread its wings and conquered foreign countries. In 2004, the American jazz magazine “Down Beat” compiled a world ranking of the world's best big bands. The Brussels Jazz Orchestra was awarded eighth place. Proven top class.

The BJO also wants to introduce Flanders to international jazz artists. They bring a resounding name to the Handelsbeurs. David Liebman decided to devote his life to jazz after seeing John Coltrane at the age of fifteen. In 1970 his career gained momentum when he started playing with 'Ten Wheel Drive'. Two years later he was included in the group of legendary Coltrane drummer, Elvin Jones. David Liebman reached an absolute peak in 1973, when Miles Davis invited him to play with his group. Liebman had reached the top of the world. Just like the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, he wants to spread jazz to the public. In 1989 he founded the International Association of Schools of Jazz, a jazz school network with members in more than 40 countries. David Liebman was named one of the most important saxophonists in contemporary music by “Down Beat”. Two top performers on one stage... Until the jazz sparks fly!

Facts

The Brussels Jazz Orchestra has collaborated internationally with Maria Schneider, Kenny Werner, Wallace Roney, Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Tom Harrell, Bob Mintzer, Gustavo Bergalli and Carlos Franzetti.

In addition to these international musicians, the ensemble also works with people “from our home” including Erwin Vann, Bert Joris, Philip Catherine, Paul Michiels and of course Toots Thielemans.