The Caribbean islands and coasts are home to a wealth of ancient melodies. Sometimes melancholy and nostalgic, at other times festive, jubilant and sparkling.
Venezuela, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Trinidad, the Dutch Antilles, Cuba, Colombia and Puerto Rico; a selection of the most beautiful gems from these regions has now been arranged and recorded by the new jazz 4tet line-up of drummer Lucas van Merwijk.
Not a typical drum album with a technical or rhythmic display of power or a latin dance-cracker. All the more a warm, personal and humble little musical message from the West Indies performed by a number of kindred spirits with a shared love for this specific repertoire.
This like-minded group consists in addition to drummer Van Merwijk of bassist Samuel Ruiz, pianist Norman Peplow and trombonist Ilja Reijngoud.
Cover drawing for the cover by Wim Janssen. Grafphic design by Tom Beetz. Photo by Maren Kips. The album will not be available on the streaming services and can only be purchased through the site.
www.tamtamproductions.nl www.lucasvanmerwijk.com
Listen to a sample of the album here: https://soundcloud.com/lucasvanmerwijk/teaser-van-merwijks-music-machine-album-caribbean-postcard
Lucas van Merwijk is internationally recognized for his drumming with major Latin bands such as Drums United, Nueva Manteca and the Cubop City Big Band. In the new edition of his Music Machine he sought a more intimate setting and found piano talent Norman Peplow to participate. Together with Thelonious Monk Award winner Ilja Reijngoud on trombone and Venezuelan top bassist Samuel Ruiz on baby bass, they give quirky twist to the rich Caribbean music repertoire.
De Volkskrant: Quotes:
Courant of The Hague:
'Ilja is a master in sounds, his fabulous technique always supports his search for beautiful melodies and improvisation
Jazzprofiles.com:
‘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’