John Scofield 4tet

American jazz guitarist John Scofield is probably best known for his breakthrough in the band of Miles Davis. He's been touring and recording as a bandleader ever since. With more than 40 recordings to his credit, he is one of the principal innovators of modern jazz guitar since the late 70s, in numerous styles.

In his latest project, affectionately called Yankee Go Home, Scofield reconnects with the music of his younger years. His teenaged rock 'n roll roots for example, but also the funk, country and free jazz of that era. Stretching from Buddy Holly to Neil Young and from The Grateful Dead to Pharoah Sanders, Scofield combines their songs with plenty of his own originals.

The other Yankees joining Scofield on stage have all made a name for themselves in the international jazz scene. Pianist Jon Cowherd played in Brian Blade Fellowship and on albums by (among others) Cassandra Wilson and Iggy Pop. Vicente Archer played string bass with Robert Glasper and Louis Hayes. Drummer Josh Dion accompanied other famous guitarists such as Chuck Loeb and Jim Campilongo.

Support: Roni Kaspi Trio

22-year-old Israeli drummer Roni Kaspi is already very successful with her adventurous and energetic playing in the trio of her compatriot and star bassist Avishai Cohen. During Gent Jazz, she played like a charm and conquered many hearts.

More standing than sitting behind the drum kit, Kaspi leaves audiences worldwide speechless and enchanted. With grooves charged by rock, hip-hop, jazz and Middle Eastern music, and with charisma, spirit and passion. She also strongly coloured and determined Shifting Sands, Avishai Cohen's most recent album.

Now, she is spreading her wings and at Leuven Jazz, you’ll get the absolute world premiere of her own trio. “These days I'm working on my first album. After the release, I will start performing with my band! Oxy, on keys, Noé Berne on electric bass and myself on drums and vocals. It's going to be very crazy so I'm really hyped about this, and really excited for everyone to hear what I and the trio have been working on.”

Aftershow: Julien Tassin solo - primitiv

Belgian guitarist Julien Tassin is regarded as one of the most creative and committed guitarists in Europe. With a dedication to strong, lyrical melodies and cinematographic themes, he creates a musical universe that draws on minimalism, ambient, blues, avant-garde, rock and jazz. His playing is raw, organic, emotional, expressive and above all uncompromising, whether he is playing solo or fronting his own band.

primitiv is his third solo album and is about human beings in their most primitive and essential form. Most of the tracks are composed of a handful of notes that can be played once or repeated again and again, like a mantra, leaving space for a sort of improvisation void of any constraint. It is music with a universal character, blending European, American and African elements.

Timetable

• 19.15 h: doors
• 20.00 - 20.50 h: Roni Kaspi trio
• 30' pause
• 21.20 - 22.30 h: John Scofield
• 22.45 h: Aftershow in foyer with Julien Tassin

More info

www.johnscofield.com

John Scofield 4tet John Scofield (guitar), Jon Cowherd (piano), Vicente Archer (bass) and Josh Dion (drums)
Roni Kaspi trio Roni Kaspi (drums and vocals), Auxane Cartigny (Oxy) (keys and synth) and Noé Berne (electric bass)