Jazz Middelheim Festival photo report with Joe Lovano, Avishai Cohen and Youn Sun Nah and more…
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
After one and a half year, things were finally getting back to normal at Antwerp’s prestigious jazz festival – photographer Peter van Breukelen was there to capture the atmosphere and some stunning images
Over a period of four days (13 to 16 August) the organization welcomed 13.500 jazz lovers in Antwerp. I captured a photo summary of the last two days of the festival in which artists enjoyed the freedom of being able to perform on stage again…
Bassist Avishai Cohen was getting back to his roots with a new fresh trio consisting of drummer Roni Kaspi and pianist Elchin Shirinov. Knowing they would record a new album shortly after this concert it was clear we can expect something beautiful.
Guitar player Philip Catherine in great form had the opportunity to form a group especially for this festival which among others, consisted of two piano players. A very memorable concert was the result.
Joe Lovano was the star of the festival. He played on two occasions, first with students of the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp and secondly with his own trio. Festival director Bertrand Flamang called Joe's own trio the best jazz concert at Jazz Middelheim in years, and I fully agree.
Drummer Joey Baron is also known for his work with Bill Frisell and John Zorn was the exquisite and at the same time powerful engine in Joe Lovano’s trio.
Korean jazz singer Youn Sun Nah was refreshing to say the least. This voice acrobat managed to turn her voice from subtle chansons into raw rock. The audience loved it.
85-year-old French bass clarinetist Michel Portal showed there is no age limit to being a world class musician. Especially his contemporary taste with rather hip grooves from his fellow young musicians was very impressive.
Belgian female bass player Lara Rosseel was one of those young talents who with her 9 piece band presented us with some very original ethnic acoustic jazz. Someone to keep an eye on!
I have to confess I was not sure what to expect from Anouar Brahem. But he totally won me over with his poëtic and meditative world music. A beautiful finish of day three.
Italian jazz musician Stefano di Battista turned film composer Ennio Morricone’s music into jazz, resulting in a very special set.
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