BEUKORKEST AND THE SOLAR FESTIVAL AUG 6-7 2011
Got called up by great Dutch artist Rik Van Iersel. He wanted to see if I was into diving into a three day rehearsal with 17 other musicians plus crew in preparation for a two day stint at the Solar festival in Holland. Rik directs the band much like he devises many of his paintings: a sort of spontaneous, stream of consciuosness collage work. I’ve been here before with him and a wonderful assortment of great artist. So, I was down; always eager to be part of his experimentation style. No sooner had I stepped off the train in Eindhoven was i picked up by the lovely Mony Koop and driven off to a 6 hour rehearsal.
My technique initially is not to think too heavily on what transpires and just to see what sticks the next day. After that of course ensues much note taking and plenty of repetition. A couple more days of rehearsals working with familiar faces such as electronic whiz kid Jeunes Riad, Bandoneon master Marc Condstande and Siem Nozza on bass not to mention new but legendary figures such as G W Sok from the great Dutch band The EX and I was eager for the festival.
I’m publishing several sets of photos from the experience: rehearsals, load out, load in, show etc… We’ll be doing it again August 25 for the Magneet Festival in Amsterdam and hopefully I’ll have some actual sounds to go along with whole thing. Enjoy
