Biography

The Brussels Jazz Orchestra plays jazz with a dynamic orchestral sound rooted in jazz tradition. The only professional large jazz ensemble in Belgium has a reputation stretching from Singapore to New York. They are frequent guests at festivals and stages all over the world. The recordings of the BJO, 20 CDs to date, have received international recognition and been awarded numerous prizes. In 2012 the orchestra was part of the Oscar triumph for the silent film The Artist, as co-performer of the soundtrack. The album “Wild Beauty” featuring Joe Lovano (2013) scored two Grammy Award Nominations. The Brussels Jazz Orchestra is in residence at Flagey (Brussels) and celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013. The orchestra – a member of the European Music Circle – works under the artistic direction of Frank Vaganée.

Musicians

Saxophones and woodwinds:

Frank Vaganée, Dieter Limbourg, Kurt Van Herck, Bart Defoort, Bo Van der Werf

Trumpets:

Serge Plume, Nico Schepers, Pierre Drevet Jeroen Van Malderen

Trombones:

Marc Godfroid, Lode Mertens, Ben Fleerakkers, Laurent Hendrick

Piano:

Nathalie Loriers

Double bass:

Jos Machtel

Drums:

Toni Vitacolonna

Sound Engineer:

Gyuri Spies

Brussels Jazz Orchestra has three releases on Saphrane Records: Mama Africa (with Tutu Puone), BJO Finest Live! as cd and BJO Finest Live as Blu-Ray.

Publicity photo: (c) Phile Deprez