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This Is Water 12" LP on 180 grams coloured ('hint of purple') vinyl. Extra thick sleeve. Inner sleeve with liner notes.

Saxophonist Ben van Gelder and guitarist Reinier Baas proudly announce their third collaborative release, 'This Is Water.' This album is a testament to their unique artistic synergy, rooted in the American jazz tradition, but with unmistakably European flair. Drawing from a shared musical vocabulary developed during their 15-year collaboration, Baas and van Gelder effortlessly navigate a diverse range of moods and atmospheres.

Four deeply authentic musicians - each of them admired greatly by the duo - make a guest appearance on 'This Is Water'. Baas and van Gelder wrote new music for each of them specifically. These tailor-made songs are intended as vehicles for expression that cater to the strengths of each guest, with a focus on improvisation. Pianist Cory Smythe adds singular, ethereal textures, challenging Baas and van Gelder to venture into unknown, microtonal territory. Drummer Jeff Ballard - a childhood hero to the duo - radiates a deep understanding of music and its power to connect. He is a selfless and effortless communicator. Lastly, ‘This Is Water’ features drummer Han Bennink and pianist Marta Warelis, both uncompromising and willing to sacrifice perfection for the sake of emotional resonance.

'This Is Water' is inspired by the eponymous speech by novelist David Foster Wallace, delivered at Kenyon College in 2005. In this heartfelt speech, Wallace introduces the idea that individuals should exercise conscious choice in order to interpret reality. He suggests that through "simple awareness," people possess the freedom to find significance and liberation even in the most mundane aspects of life. He reminds us that even the most tedious moments are "on fire with the same force that lit the stars".

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180 grams vinyl. Includes digital download (you will be sent a link within 24 hours of purchase). Ships within 3 business days.

Dance music for odd people, with a stellar lineup including Louis Cole, Jonas Burgwinkel, Ben van Gelder and Joris Roelofs. Written with the Modal Explorer (™).

credits

released April 5, 2024

Compositions, guitar, banjitar (#6), additional instruments & production by Reinier Baas.

Personnel:

Jonas Burgwinkel (drums)
Clemens van der Feen (bass)
Kit Downes (piano)
Agostinho Sequeira (marimba)
Joris Roelofs (clarinets)

Featuring:

Louis Cole (drums on #2 and #6)
Ketija Ringa Karahona (flute on #6)
Ben van Gelder (alto Saxophone on #6)
Chaerin Im (piano on #11)
The Bughouse Boy Choir & R3 (backing vocals on #11)

Artwork & photography by Ruby Baas & Reinier Baas.

Additional design by Randy Linskens at Dox Amsterdam.

Recorded by Micha de Kanter at Bimhuis, Amsterdam. Additional recording and mix by Paul Pouwer at Power Sound Studios, Amsterdam. Mastered at Jerboa Mastering.

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NOW WITH FREE TYPEX FLIP BOOK!

Tin can with CD, download card + illustrated book, postcards and poster by Typex (!).

Discombobulatrix’ is a mostly instrumental, partly improvised surrealist opera in three acts, masterfully illustrated by Amsterdam based comic artist Typex. The story revolves around ‘Princess Discombobulatrix’, a highly confusing figure, ‘The Duke of Waalwijk’ and ‘The General’, who attempt to woo the Princess desperately, and a shapeshifter called ‘The Enormous Wizard Zendor’. It’s not long before the events turn into a tragedy, in which all the characters die a bizarre and violent death.

Soprano Nora Fischer plays the role of ‘Princess Discombobulatrix’ (sporadically), while the rest of the line-up is comprised of the creme de la creme of the Dutch jazz scene, with among others Joris Roelofs, Ben van Gelder and Martijn Vink. The musicians are pushed to their limits by Baas’ happily deranged eclectic melting pot: they play with ‘classical’ precision, improvise parts of the music on the spot and go back and forth between highly danceable post-punk and Wagner-like ballades.

‘Reinier Baas vs. Princess Discombobulatrix’ is released in September 2016 as a tin box with a CD, download card + comic book, postcard series and poster by Typex. For the album, the line-up is extended with strings, woodwinds and french horn.

**** – PAROOL

*****– JAZZISM

**** – TROUW

“In one word: sublime.” – JAZZNU

“An overwhelming and surrealist musical experience.” – NEDERLANDS DAGBLAD

“Ravel, Prokofiev, Poulenc, Baas, truly!” – VILLA D’ARTE

“A splendid combination of music that is written out in detail and typical jazz improvisation.” – VOLSKRANT

“A masterful and unique album.” – JAZZENZO

“With his imaginary opera, Reinier Baas proves to be a young musical grandmaster. […] One of the best young musicians and composers of the Lowlands.” – 3voor12

‘Discombobulatrix’ is supported by SENA Music Production Fund, Performing Arts Fund NL and Fonds 21. The first version of the music was the result of a carte blanche granted by the North Sea Jazz Festival 2015.