Artist description The Willem Breuker Kollektief was founded in 1974 and is one of Europe's finest ensembles playing contemporary and improvised music. They are equally at home in jazz clubs as in philharmonic halls. Led by saxophonist/clarinettist/composer Willem Breuker, the Kollektief plays a hybrid of music which cuts across traditional musical lines. The Kollektief's approach involves combinations of jazz and 'serious' (i.e. classical) music with many popular genres, from marching band and circus music to latin dance steps and music for film and theatre. The result is both humorous and surprising, full of false starts and stops, clean breaks, sudden shifts in musical mood, and above all, a fine sense of irony. At one moment, the Kollektief can be churning out hot jazz, European Style, and the next moment, tearing through a classical repertory with all the irreverence of Spike Jones. There is never a boring moment!More than 20 Kollektief CDs (and many others by other fine musicians) are available on Willem Breuker's own record company, BVHAAST.

Music Style Music for human beings

Musical Influences Kurt Weill, Ennio Morricone, Jazz, Classical Music, Rock 'n' Roll

Similar Artists None

Artist History Founded in 1974, this group has performed more than 100 concerts every year all over the world.

Group Members Willem Breuker, Maarten van Norden, Andy Altenfelder, Boy Raaymakers, Nico Nijholt, Bernard Hunnekink, Henk de Jonge, Arjen Gorter, Rob Verdurmen, Hermine Deurloo

Instruments Reeds, brass, piano, bass, violin, drums

Albums see Web site (BVHAAST)

Location Amsterdam - Netherlands

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