Instant Composers Pool Orchestra launches Going Dutch: a new yearlong project … Video

The unique, internationally renowned Instant Composers Pool Orchestra launches Going Dutch, a new, yearlong project aimed at introducing British and Irish audiences to the vibrant Netherlands jazz scene, with a seven date tour beginning at Lakeside Arts in Nottingham on Monday 30 October.

ICP was formed in 1967 by pianist Misha Mengelberg, drummer Han Bennink and saxophonist Willem Breuker to promote the idea of improvisation being the equal of composition. It has developed into a record label, releasing dozens of albums, and its members have collaborated with giants of the experimental music world including Anthony Braxton, Cecil Taylor, Sunny Murray, Peter Brotzman, Derek Bailey, Evan Parker and George Lewis.

Mengelberg died earlier this year and the current line-up of the orchestra, which consists of 10 of the most innovative musical voices from around the globe, will be celebrating the life of this inspirational figure as well as marking ICP’s 50th anniversary and the75th birthday of drummer Bennink, who remains at ICP’s heart.

Joining Bennink are saxophonists/clarinettists Michael Moore, Ab Baars and Tobias Delius, trombonist Wolter Wierbos, trumpeter Thomas Heberer, violinist Mary Oliver, cellist Tristan Honsinger, pianist Guus Janssen and bassist Ernst Glerum. They will decide what they will be playing just a few minutes before each performance. No two ICP Orchestra gigs are ever alike but audiences can expect to hear anything from ragtime to swing, bop to free jazz, and classical to carnival, and possibly all of the above.

Going Dutch is a joint initiative between the Jazz Promotion Network, a body of promoters, festival organisers, educators and media workers from across the UK and Ireland, and Dutch Performing Arts. Following ICP Orchestra’s visit, the french horn, guitar and drums trio Kapok tours venues in the north and south of England. A full programme of tours is currently being set up to take place through 2018 and the Jazz Promotion Network will be announcing these soon.

After the Nottingham concert the tour continues at Turner Sims Concert Hall, Southampton (31 October), Culturalann Ui Chanain, Derry (2 Nov), The Mac, Belfast (3 Nov), The Sugar Club, Dublin (4 Nov), Triskel Arts Centre, Cork (5 Nov), and Widcombe Social Club, Bath (6 Nov).