Edison Nominee WAAN comes to Wageningen
Bart Wirtz - saxophonist
Emiel van Rijthoven - keyboardist
Matteo Mazzù - bass
Mark Schilders - drums
WAAN
Early 2023, saxophonist Bart Wirtz and keyboardist Emiel van Rijthoven presented the new band WAAN in which their musical synergy resounds. WAAN's music is raw and energetic. The raw sound is the result of a quest to bring different worlds together. A stew of electronically driven grooves, atmospherically composed melodies and eclectically energetic dance, pop, roots and jazz funk.
In addition to Wirtz and Van Rijthoven, WAAN's regular live line-up consists of Matteo Mazzù on bass and Mark Schilders on drums. In the studio, WAAN is assisted by Oscar de Jong (Kraak & Smaak).
Echo Echo
The debut album Echo Echo was released in February 2023 on the German label Sonar Kollektiv, received two nominations for the jazz Edisons that year and was widely praised.
Live EP
In June 2024, WAAN released a Live EP. The recordings capture the meeting between acoustic and electronic music in a live setting, where Schilders' subtly applied computerized sounds merge perfectly with the warm keys and saxophones of Emiel and Bart respectively and Matteo's alternation between acoustic and synth bass.
New studio album, small preview in Wageningen
WAAN is currently working on a new studio album that will be released in the fall of 2025. Before that time, the public will already get a preview with a few singles. Expect an energetic mix of improvised music with pop appeal and the energy of EDM.
Two Edison Jazz 2023 nominations!
Echo Echo was nominated for both the jury prize in the category 'instrumental national' and for the Jazzism audience award. During the showcases of Injazz 2024, the roof was barely on the roof, so this time there is no secret dozing off for the jazz fans.
WAAN in the press
“Fresh, mighty harmonious and masterful in terms of structure. Sometimes to enjoy quietly or to completely let go.” - W. Jongeneelen, Jazzism Feb. 2023
“One moment refined, almost polished and then suddenly raw and full of fire.” - M. Andriessen, Trouw 10 Feb. 2023
“It's a beautiful mixture between electronic instruments and acoustic instruments.” - Jamie Cullum, The Jazz Show, Jan 10 2023
“If you are a fan of #FloatingPoints, #BADBADNOTGOOD, #EzraCollective or any of the other modern artists making jazz more electronic or electronic music more improvisational, WAAN is for you.” – Osiris Media, Jan 26 2023
“It's amazing how the tension on Echo Echo van Waan is built up rhythmically.” – Gijsbert Kamer, Volkskrant, 23 Feb. 2023
Location
Theater Junushoff, Plantsoen 3, 6701 AS WAGENINGEN. Check voor directions and parking at Google Maps.
