Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orkest (NJJO)

Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orchest and Martin Fondse (piano/conductor) perform Christiania Pusher, composed by Martin Fondse.

The ZomerJazzFietsTour, is an annual jazzfestival in the North of Holland. Jazzconcerts in old churches and barns and the visitors make a tour by bike. This video was recorded @ZomerJazzFietsTour Reitdiepdal Groningen. VPRO Vrije Geluiden is a music program made by the Dutch public broadcast organisation VPRO.

Life After Life

Based on a text by Khalil Gibran. 

The 3 singers have total freedom in how to approach the verses. The Chorus is given.

Backings are open as well, played at the ‘right time’.

Day after day  Time after time Life after Life

On October 24, 2015, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra performed alongside the string section of the Metropole Orkest.

For this special occasion, orchestra leader Martin Fondse expanded his repertoire specifically for the string players.

In the days leading up to the concert, the young musicians of the NJJO participated in a coaching and masterclass program, receiving guidance from members of the Metropole Orkest Big Band, among others.

Paraíso

A piece I originally composed as part of a suite paying tribute to the poetic names of São Paulo’s subway stations in Brazil.

This version is arranged for Big Band and Metropole String Orchestra, featuring a solo by Kika Sprangers on soprano saxophone.

Recorded at the Muziekcentrum voor de Omroep in Hilversum.

During my time as conductor of the Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orkest (NJJO), I had the privilege of leading an inspiring collaboration with like-minded orchestras from Germany (BuJazzO) and the UK (NYJO). Together with bandleaders Mark Armstrong and Jiggs Whigham, we curated a dynamic and challenging program that brought our musicians together.
 

This documentary offers a glimpse into the remarkable rehearsals, electrifying performances, and the shared experiences of a vibrant new generation of aspiring jazz musicians.

A Rosa

The NJJO was a guest on De Wereld Draait Door! On the day of the recording – in honor of the 25th anniversary of Nirvana‘s album Nevermind (Kurt Cobain and me share birthdays, by the way) – NJJO covered Smells Like Teen Spirit. In addition we performed my composition A Rosa. This piece was something of a “pièce de résistance” during my time with the NJJO. We also released a CD with the same title with Jong Metropole.