I was asked to do a workshop for Corrie van Binsbergen’s Brokkenfabriek at Zaal 100, Amsterdam. For four weeks I had studied with a couple of musicians on how to improvise on Turkish scales. It was fun, and a good preparation for my master class at Utrecht Conservatory last week about Making Modal Music.
Last sunday, we presented the workshop. After the presentation there was a carte blanche try-out concert with me. I had asked Turkish improviser/singer Sanem Kalfa and pop guitarist Jeff Sopacua. Jeff unfortunately could not make the gig, but his replacement was great: George Dumitriu, a suggestion of Sanem.
I had picked some older tunes and a new one, and we had rehearsed once together. The result was astonishing: the communication in the band is very good, it was fresh, Sanem is a diamond and George is a rock. Both in the good sense. Wow.
Corrie immediately asked us to perform on her Brokkenfestival in the Bimhuis Amsterdam, 30th of december. Nice, we have a second gig already!
I was amazed about all the people coming to this try-out situation. Two critics (there will be one review), some very great musicians, full house. Okay, it is small, but still…