EGGS, STAIRS & SHELLS

EGGS, STAIRS & SHELLS

Brussels and Berlin blend together in Eggs, Stairs & Shells, the new quartet of Bo Van Der Werf (baritone saxophone – Jozef Dumoulin/Bo Van Der Werf Duo, Octurn, Lynn Cassiers, Sylvain Cathala, Brussels Jazz Orchestra…), Elias Stemeseder (piano, synths, electronics – Laurie Anderson, John Zorn, Greg Cohen, Anna Webber, Christian Lillinger, Eric McPherson, Lester St. Louis…), Felix Henkelhausen (double bass, electric bass – Vice Versa with Bram De Looze & Eric McPherson, Andrea Parkins, Marc Copland, Nate Wooley’s Knknighgh, Mirna Bogdanovic Group…) and Samuel Ber (drums – Pentadox with Bram De Looze & Sylvain Debaisieux, Malaby/Dumoulin/Ber with Tony Malaby & Jozef Dumoulin, Reservoir Ghosts with Lotte Anker, Daniel Levin & Soet Kempeneer).

Samuel Ber and Bo Van Der Werf, who have played together in projects like Pentadox and Mantra Magnets, represent Brussels. On the Berlin side, we have Elias Stemeseder and Felix Henkelhausen, who know each other from the Jim Black Trio and Felix’ quintet. The two international pairs merge as four equals, each contributing compositions to this new project.

Each of the musicians has, in their own way, a playful approach to rhythm. The two Berlin based musicians often compose music focusing on tempo changes and angularity. Bo’s compositions are marked by interwoven rhythmic structures that open space for interpretation and meditation, while Samuel focuses more on fluctuations, as though the music flows through different degrees of transparency.

What unites the compositions is the fact that they are all full of potential. The final structure and direction can change at any moment, until the moment of performance.

Potential, angularity & flow: Eggs, Stairs & Shells.

Bo Van Der Werf (BE) – baritone sax & compositions
Elias Stemeseder (DE) – piano, synths, electronics & compositions
Felix Henkelhausen (DE) – double bass, electric bass & compositions
Samuel Ber (BE) – drums & compositions