The Dutch drummer John Engels is celebrating his 75th birthday this year at the Bimhuis and the North Sea Jazz Festival, among other places. He is performing with a new trio he formed consisting of himself, Miguel Martinez on alto sax and Mark Haanstra on bass. Things really clicked between these musicians and they decided to record an album together that will be released on John's birthday. The trio plays standards that they believe have never become completely standard. They play the music of swing saxophonist Chu Berry but also that of Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson. Engels, who has played with many greats, has always been inquisitive. The modern tastes of Martinez and Haanstra don't hinder the trio in from delving into the jazz tradition. Surprisingly, they have still managed to develop a style of their own that transcends all genres.
