Video of the Day: Alto saxophonist Kasper Rietkerk shares ‘Ship of Fools ft. Emma Rawicz’
Mike Flynn
Friday, May 10, 2024
The rising saxophone talent unveils the second single from his new album The Island, which also includes guest appearances by Emma Rawicz, Anatole Muster, Immy Churchill and more
Award-winning Dutch saxophonist Kasper Rietkerk, renowned for his collaborations with esteemed artists such as Eddie Chacon, John Caroll Kirby and Jean Toussaint, and also as a member of the Emma Rawicz Jazz Orchestra, is set to release his ambitious debut album, The Island, on Zennez Records on 24 June.
Rooted in the jazz tradition but drawing in influences from rock, hip hop and pop music, The Island is his first full length album released under his own name. The inspiration for the album’s themes come from the Dutch saxophonist’s experiences during his first two years in the UK: the beauty of living abroad and personal development, as well as the darker side of life in a time of war in Europe and an uncertain future.
The album will be launched at Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, London on the 24 June with his band of Max McLeish (trombone), Toby Yapp (double bass), Jonah Evans (drums), Benji Bown (piano) and Alex Lockheart (guitar). This sextet KRSIX, also features guest appearances on the album by Emma Rawicz (on the track ‘Ship of Fools’), accordionist Anatole Muster (on ‘Roll it in Glitter’) and vocalist Immy Churchill. Kasper also arranged all seven songs for string quartet which gives the album an expansive cinematic sound.
Kasper began playing saxophone at a young age and was inspired by the sounds of Cannonball Adderley, Kenny Garrett, and Paul Desmond. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Kasper moved to London and graduated from his master’s at the Royal Academy of Music in 2023, where he received an award for his final exam performance.
With his Dutch group Das Sound Kollektiv, Kasper released two albums and an EP, most notably gaining success with their ‘+1’ release, which featured collaborations with various singers and rappers, including Ntjam Rosie, Ruben Hein, Rico, and Tennishu (Butcher Brown).
He is involved in other projects such as the Medan Trio, where he writes and performs improvised music accompanied by visual art. From 2019 till 2021, he played lead alto in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra from the Netherlands, which was led by Ruben Hein.
Kasper and his band head out on a series of gigs around the UK this September on the following dates: SoundCellar, Poole (19 Sept); Ropery Hall, Barton upon Humber (21 Sept); Seven Arts, Leeds (22 Sept) and Modern Jazz Club, Southampton (29 Sept).
See the video below and for more info visit kasperrietkerk.nl
