“Innovation Series”
Han Bennink 70th Anniversary
at the Ironworks (June 24th , 2012)
by: Ken Pickering / Artistic Director
Han Bennink / Brodie
West / Terrie Ex
A very special collaboration will take place between 3
iconoclastic musicians; 2 Dutch and 1 Canadian. In Vancouver this trio performs
at the Ironworks, June 24th.
The Canadian and organizing element in this trio, Toronto
saxophonist Brodie West has been particularly active on the Dutch improv scene; working extensively
with Han as well as with The Ex over the past decade. In Canada Brodie’s
credits are diverse, having worked with Drumheller and Lina Allemano on the
jazz side and Broken Social Scene and Deep Dark United on the indie scene. I
first heard him in a duet with Han Bennink at the Anza club back in 2004! Here's a sound clip of the trio.
Han’s long time friend guitarist Terrie Hessels (aka Ex)
cofounded the Ex in 1979; known to be one of the most important punk bands of
the era. The Ex continues to this day, expanding their original punk ethos
outward to incorporate Ethiopian music and free improvisation into a vital mix
that is unique in music. The Ex Brass Unbound (with Wolter Wierbos, Ken
Vandermark etc) recently (May) recorded at Roy Paci’s studio in Italy and then went
on a short tour. Terrie’s next stop - Canada! The Ex have performed in Canada,
mostly on the east coast (rarely in YVR) and we’ve come close to enticing them
to the fest, but alas with no success. Maybe this will be a stepping-stone to
the jazz fest for The Ex. Here's a thorny clip of the duo with Han and Terrie.
Han Bennink (drum master) turned 70 years old this year. This
is a milestone! Born in 1942 Han has been in my consciousness almost since I
discovered jazz in 1967. My first exposure to his music must have been from
Eric Dolphy’s “Last Date” from 1964 (hear South Street Exit) and sometime within those next 3 years I encountered
the mind altering “New Acoustic Swing Duo” (with Willem Breuker), “Topography
of the Lungs” (with Evan Parker and Derek Bailey) and various albums with John
Tchicai, Peter Broetzmann, Fred van Hove and most importantly his long time
comrade, Misha Mengelberg. By 1972 I was in Berlin listening to his music for
real! Never looked back (except to listen).
A regular visitor to Vancouver, Han's first appearance was
probably with Peter Broetzmann in the 80’s and in subsequent years he became a
musician and fan favourite in our town, collaborating with Paul Plimley, a
first encounter with Dave Douglas, tours with Clusone Trio and the Tobias
Delius Quartet, in trio with Ray Anderson and Christy Doran, Eric Boeren's Quartet and of course
various YVR appearances with the fabulous ICP Orchestra from the mid 90’s
onward.
Han Bennink, Wilbert de Joode, Eric Boeren - Vancouver Fest 2010
(photo: Chris Cameron)
“Improvisation is like daily life…like crossing a street”
says Han Bennink. The ICP (Instant Composers Pool) has 45 years music
performance and (if you haven’t yet heard) to commemorate this exceptional
history, a 50 CD box set is planned, with DVD’s, bonus material and a photo
book with each numbered box (300) hand painted by Han Bennink! Here’s the link:
http://www.icporchestra.com/icpbox/
This concert celebrates in sound a great friendship, not only between these
musicians but also with the Vancouver audience, an audience
that never fails to heartily welcome Han to the bandstand each and every time he comes to
town. It’s our small way of saying happy
birthday and contributing to Han Bennink’s 70th birthday celebration.
What better place to celebrate than the Ironworks!
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