Jazz Showcase

9-11 February 2015

In terms of longevity, the Jazz Showcase created to promote domestic and European talent is not far behind the now ten-year-old Palace of Arts: 2015 marks the eighth annual Jazz Showcase. As is now customary, the spotlight will fall on yet more worthy Hungarian formations just setting out on their careers, as well as a selection of jazz pioneers representing two other European countries.

In previous years, we have been introduced not only to our own shooting stars, but also to the most talented improvisers from our immediate neighbours Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia, as well as the Czech Republic, Poland , Germany and Turkey. Now in 2015, it is time to turn our eyes and ears to Belgium and the Netherlands. The young representatives of both countries have plenty to inspire them as they embark on their jazz careers. It is enough to think of the saxophone, the instrument perhaps best associated with jazz, which was developed by the Belgian Adolphe Sax in the mid 19th century. Around a century later, the Manouche jazz of Belgian-born guitarist Django Reinhardt became the most influential genre of the age. The key figures of the recent past and present are the 92-year-old master of the harmonica Toots Thielemans, the virtuoso guitarist Philip Catherine and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra known for its exciting collaborations. Across the border in the Netherlands, who could forget the North Sea Jazz Festival, and the hugely successful Palace of Arts performances of drummer Han Bennink, pianist Jasper van’t Hof and trumpeter Eric Vloeimans.

Once again, the concerts will start at 4 pm on the main stage in the Foyer and on Banner Square with young Hungarian, Belgian and Dutch ensembles taking turns to perform in front of invited jazz professionals, as well as open-minded enthusiasts looking to come across the next big thing.