WAAN

WAAN is the brainchild of saxophonist Bart Wirtz and keyboard player Emiel van Rijthoven, joined by bassist Matteo Mazzú and drummer Mark Schilders (for this concert being replaced by Olivier Penu). Together they create a sound where dancefloor energy and jazz improvisation meet. Their debut album Echo Echo (Sonar Kollektiv, 2023) earned two Edison Jazz nominations and received airplay worldwide, including on Jamie Cullum’s BBC radio program.

The new album We Want WAAN took shape during a writing retreat on the island of Texel, where the quiet of the natural surroundings led to a rawer and rhythmically more experimental sound. Back at Eminent Studios in Leiden, the four developed their ideas further, resulting in string arrangements and a collaboration with American vocalist Ivy Sole. The album is released once again on Sonar Kollektiv.