
The Caribbean islands and coasts are home to a wealth of old melodies. Sometimes melancholic and nostalgic, then again festive, jubilant and vibrant.
Venezuela, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Trinidad, the Netherlands Antilles, Cuba, Colombia and Puerto Rico; a selection of the most beautiful gems from these regions has now been edited and recorded by the new jazz 4tet line-up of drummer Lucas van Merwijk.
This is not a typical drum album with technical power displays. All the more a warm, personal and small musical message in celebration of the Caribbean performed by a number of kindred spirits with a shared love for this specific repertoire. This like-minded company consists of drummer Van Merwijk, bassist Samuel Ruiz, pianist Norman Peplow and trombonist Ilja Reijngoud.
Caribbean jazz with a twist
Lucas van Merwijk is internationally recognized for his drumming with major Latin bands such as Drums United and the Cubop City Big Band. In the new edition of his Music Machine he seeks a more intimate setting and finds piano talent Norman Peplow to collaborate with. With Thelonious Monk Award winner Ilja Reijngoud on trombone and Venezuelan top bassist Samuel Ruiz on bass they give a unique twist to the rich Caribbean music repertoire.
‘ Ilja is a master in sounds, his fabulous technique always supports his search for beautiful melodies and improvisations ‘ Courant of The Hague
‘ Lucas van Merwijk is one of the great drummers of our time. He lays down so much good stuff that even the eyes of a trained drummer can’t catch it all. Jazzprofiles.com