Dutch Swing College Band: classic jazz comes to Havana
It is rare to hear about Dutch musicians in Cuba. And when it happens, we tend to think of the so called nederpop, or in folk music or even in rock and roll, but definitely not in jazz or swing. Well, we had better abandon prejudices and commonplaces, because the oldest jazz band in Europe is Dutch and is in Cuba these days.
Founded in 1945 at the end of World War II, the Dutch Swing College Band has been working for almost 80 years, during which time it has become an icon of swing and a mythical group that has toured practically the entire world.
Marten Mees, responsible for the participation of the historic band in this edition of Jazz Plaza told us about his main motivation for bringing the musicians to Havana: "The reason I suggested to the festival organizers to invite the Dutch Swing College Band is that I think it is important to keep alive the tradition of original jazz music, albeit in a somewhat more modern way. This music was recorded in the period 1917-1928 by Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet and Bix Beiderbecke. It would be sad if it were forgotten. The Dutch Swing College Band is one of the best and most famous in the classical jazz world."
In Cuba, he will give three performances during the festival: at the Martí Theater on Tuesday, January 23, at 5:00 p.m.; at the Casa de la Cultura de Plaza on Wednesday, January 24, at 9:00 p.m.; and at the Factory of Cuban Art (F.A.C.) Hall 4 on Thursday, January 25, at 11:00 p.m.
Magazine AM:PM approached its members to please those who want to attend the concerts and learn about their history and work philosophy.
Image taken from the band's website
How do you maintain such a project for so many years? What is the secret? How does a cultural institution like yours work inside? In what sense are you a College Band?
More than 80 years ago, during World War II, the Nazis banned jazz music. Some young enthusiasts wanted to preserve it by secretly practicing in the cellars of The Hague. They dedicated themselves to forming a jazz school after World War II, so the Dutch Swing College was formed on Liberation Day, 1945.
In the band's history there has never been a time of total change of personnel. The typical D.S.C. band sound was always preserved and the new members know how to play and fit into the band's language.
Members of the group lectured, organized meetings and taught jazz music, which led to the professional launch of the Dutch Swing College Band in 1960. Since then, it has won numerous international awards, recorded over five hundred albums and remains the world's leading classical jazz band. It continues to thrill audiences wherever it performs, and its concert tours in the UK, Thailand, Malaysia, Hungary, Scandinavia and China prove that the Dutch Swing College Band remains one of the leaders of European jazz.
The current band members believe in the typical iconic musical style and play in the band's language, which preserves a unique sound and incomparable style.
Image taken from the band's website
What characteristics should an instrumentalist have to be part of the band?
In addition to mastery of their instrument, flexibility and knowledge of the history of the Dutch Swing College Band, musicians must be able to improvise collectively and, as a team instrumentalist, be part of the overall sound of the band (as well as an excellent individual soloist).
What are your expectations of the Cuban public?
We hope to be able to transmit our passion for classic jazz and establish a connection with the Cuban public that will bring many people to dance!
How has the band chosen its repertoire over the years? What composers and works have caught your attention? Do you have or have you had Cuban music in your repertoire?
Composers that catch our attention are Duke Ellington (Black and Tan Fantasy), Kid Ory (Muskrat Ramble), Peter Schilperoort (Dog House Blues).
We do not have Cuban music in our repertoire yet, we hope to be inspired during our stay in Havana. We let ourselves be surprised as Cuban music is considered the most influential regional music in the world.
Image taken from the band's website
What can the Cuban public expect from your concert, will you do anything unusual or special for this presentation?
Cuban audiences can expect a young and vibrant swing band, who want to share their passion for classic jazz.
How much tradition and how much renewal can be seen in the band after all these years?
During our concerts we play a mix of classic Dutch Swing College Band hits, some not so well known traditional jazz tunes, some original compositions by former band members, such as Peter Schilperoort and Bob van Oven, as well as new compositions written exclusively for the Dutch Swing College Band.
Image taken from the band's Facebook page.
