NightCats BigBand

4+ (group) performers

Indoor and outdoor

Orchestra

2 hours

12 x 6 meters

NL

THE NIGHTCATS BIG BAND DUTCH SONGBOOK!
From the American Songbook to the Dutch Songbook!

The NightCats BigBand has undertaken a musical quest that is not only surprising, but groundbreaking for the Dutch jazz scene. Almost everyone knows the American Songbook, the collection of iconic American songs that inspire jazz musicians worldwide. But what happens when you apply these concepts to the rich tradition of Dutch music?
The NightCats BigBand annually hosts a Special Guest, and gigs with Bert Boeren and Michael Varekamp raised the question: Is Dutch (language) music suitable for jazz? And more importantly, are there quality songs among them that have the potential to become jazz standards?
In their search for answers, the big band delved into the archives and discovered a treasure trove of undiscovered possibilities. Musical director Patrick Schmidt went to work and adapted existing Dutch classics into new, exciting big band arrangements.
In addition, the band also worked with prominent arrangers such as Henk Meutgeert (Metropole Orkest, Skymasters, The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw), Rob Horsting (The Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, the Mariniers Kapel, the Luchtmacht Kapel) and Daan Bogers (BOSCO), who also made their contributions to the project with fantastic arrangements for the NightCats BigBand Dutch Songbook.
The result? An amazingly interesting, exciting and challenging program. The repertoire consists partly of Dutch-language classics, which are given a new dimension with refreshing jazz arrangements.
We now have a special program on the lectern that includes a jazzy version of Jacques Brel's "La Chanson Des Vieux Amants" more commonly known in the Netherlands as "Liefde Voor Later" by Herman van Veen.
And besides a Dutch version of Fly Me To The Moon, jazzy versions of real Dutch gems such as 'Meisjes Van Dertien', 'Aan De Amsterdamse Grachten' and 'Is Dit Alles' will also be featured. And how about beautiful songs like Wim Sonneveld's 'Burgemeester Beekmanlaan' and Rita Reys' 'Zon In Scheveningen'. And a beautifully arranged 'It Feels So Good' an interpretation of 'Feelin' Good' as made famous by Nina Simone and many others.
With the "NightCats BigBand Dutch Songbook!" we take a big step in rediscovering Dutch music, all within the context of jazz. A program that not only breathes new life into Dutch songs, but also pushes the boundaries of the genre.
Naturally, we would like to perform our program several times. Has your interest been piqued? Please contact Mario van Leeuwen for more info. By phone at ##### or send a contact request to ##### and we will get in touch soon.

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