The band of trumpeter Gerard Kleijn is a mixed batch. Apart from the leader himself and drummer Joost Kesselaar the other members are from America, Sweden and Israel, but they all live in Holland. That results in an energetic, innovating melting-pot of sound and colourful phrases. In a combination of tradition and renewal the repertoire of this quintet consists of originals by the more than experienced band members, who composed especially for this unique international line-up. The band has released two CD’s so far: Love Quotes and New World, which were well received in various music publications. The swinging and dreamlike interpretations of Kleijn himself are praised in particular. Next to his own group Kleijn, who studied at the Rotterdam Conservatory, is also active in The Holland Big Band, La Principal de Amsterdam and his newest band, the Holland/Italian project ‘Spaces and Phrases’.
