Preliminary round B-Jazz International Contest

In the B-Jazz International Contest, Muziekmozaïek, Leuven Jazz, De Jazzontspooring and Rataplan are looking for young jazz talent ready to break through on international stages. B-Jazz wants to discover, support and encourage these talents. This international competition gives them the chance to perform in front of a professional jury and an enthusiastic audience.

At Leuven Jazz, you get the first preliminary round with three bands. After the third preliminary round, we will find out who will advance to the B-Jazz final in autumn 2024. Two Belgian groups will then compete against four international jazz bands for the Albert Michiels Grand Prix. The winner will be able to perform on international stages in Spain, Italy, Romania, the Netherlands and - of course - Belgium.

TIMING

• 20.00 - 20.40 h: Elsiris
• 21.00 - 21.40 h: YENTL
• 22.00 - 22.40 h: TB Project

Elsiris

Elsiris takes you gently by the hand, guiding you through the lyrical compositions of pianist Jasmien Geijsels. Together with Élie Goulème (drums) and Pierre-Antoine Savoyat (flugelhorn and electronics), she forms a close-knit entity where improvisation can be playful as well as profound. Their melancholic melodies and soundscapes, evoking cinematic images, result in a delicate and immersive experience. The trio is influenced by ECM artists such as Tord Gustavsen, Susanne Abbuehl, Areni Agbabian, Stefano Battaglia and many more. Inspiration is drawn from a deep connection with nature, between people and the feeling being part of something bigger.

November 2023, they released their debut album Imprints with renowned pianist and composer Diederik Wissels  as their producer. Elsiris’ repertoire primarily features original compositions by Jasmien. Her melancholic, sometimes fragile, melodies and skillful use of space and silence transport the listener through a captivating musical journey that transcends time. However, her sound can also be piercingly powerful when the moment calls for it.

YENTL

YENTL is a music project founded by vocalist and composer Yentl Verborgt. With the help of wonderful musicians Wout Gooris on piano, Jeroen Reggers on guitar, Jasper De Roeck on double bass and Jesse Dockx on drums, she brings original compositions and arrangements to life. YENTL is all about creating a unique atmosphere. The band takes the listener on a musical journey through lyrical melodies, intimate stories, and improvisation. All set against a backdrop of groove and rhythms.

During their performances, the band seamlessly blends delicate moments with edgier, more experimental sounds. At the heart of the music lies a deep sense of reflection, dreams, and searching and finding. Yentl’s compositions draw inspiration from ECM albums by artists like Anders Jormin and Kenny Wheeler. You can also recognize strong influences from the music of Ambrose Akinmusire and Joni Mitchell.

TB Project

At the Montpellier Conservatoire, vibraphonist Tristan Bernoud met drummer Egon Wolfson and pianist Loïc Lengagne. After several performances, most notably with the After Reception Quintet (including at the Radio France Festival), and their graduation, the trio decides to start their higher studies at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Here they meet trumpeter Gaspard Mathelin and young Chinese bassist ‘Scott’ Cizhou Huang.

Bandleader Bernoud’s original compositions are met with praise at concerts in Brussels clubs such as L’Ascenseur and Sounds Jazz Club. His main influences include greats like John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and Ornette Coleman, but also more contemporary musicians like Ambrose Akinmusire, Immanuel Wilkins or vibraphonist Joel Ross. The quintet knows how to captivate listeners and take them on a colourful journey; the energy shared by the musicians on stage makes the room vibrate.

More info

• Elsiris: with Jasmien Geijsels (piano, synth and vocals), Pierre-Antoine Savoyat (bugle and FX) and Élie Goulème (drums)
• YENTL: with Yentl Verborgt (vocals and composition), Jeroen Reggers (guitar), Wout Gooris (piano), Jasper de Roeck (double bass) and Jesse Dockx (drums)
• TB Project:with Tristan Bernoud (vibraphone), Gaspard Mathelin (trumpet), Loïc Lengagne (piano), Egon Wolfson (drums) and ‘Scott’ Cizhou Huang (double bass)