In 2008, the VPRO/Boy Edgar Prijs, the most prestigious prize in the Netherlands for jazz and improvised music, was awarded to drummer and composer Pierre Courbois. According to the jury, who said he is one of the most important architects of modern Dutch jazz, his use of uneven measures that are derived from other cultures has really enriched the rhythmic vocabulary of Dutch jazz and improvised music. This was grist to the mill for the drummer whose career had come to a dead end. Courbois is now experiencing a revival. His old records, which were recorded from 1971 until 1974 with the famous rock jazz group Association PC, have all been re-released on CD. He has also started to perform again and is even making plans for his 70th anniversary. Last year, Courbois picked up where he had left off with his Vijfkwarts Sextet, only playing jazz freely in the irregular 5/4 time which is rarely used in jazz. Courbois will begin his performance with a short concert together with pianist Polo de Haas.
