De Beren Gieren

Sunday, May 25, at 19:30
main stage

Fulco Ottervanger (piano, fx, synths)
Lieven Van Pée (double bass, el. bass)
Simon Segers (drums, fx)

Photo: Francis Vanhee

The Belgian trio De Beren Gieren is part of a new wave on the Benelux scene, alongside bands like Dans Dans, who reinterpret familiar genre forms in completely new ways. The band describes itself as a “post-contemporary jazz trio in which minimalism and bursting energy go hand in hand”. According to its members, the trio provides compelling proof that there is still gold to be found in the classic combination of piano, bass & drums. However, in the case of De Beren Gieren – active since 2009 – that combination is anything but traditional. From album to album, they have continuously reshaped their sonic language. What began as a purely acoustic sound has gradually evolved over the years into an electro-acoustic one, to which the musicians have subtly added electronic effects. The band constantly expands the original jazz framework and improvisation with influences of minimalism, cinematic soundscapes and kaleidoscopic arrangements. The multi-layered textures are more reminiscent of the unconventional music of Radiohead, Erik Satie or Jon Hassell than classic piano jazz. The trio will present their seventh album, What Eludes Us (Sdban Ultra), released in March. The album was recorded in Norway with renowned producer Jørgen Træen, who has also worked with the band Jaga Jazzist, among others.