The Ambush Party takes improvising literally: each piece starts on the stage, from collective improvisations. Another special element is the fact that the free jazz of this quartet isn't hard and fast for a change. The Ambush Party excels at sensitive pieces, with serene sound experiments. But as soon as it starts to get too serene, one of the artists is bound to start a comical act. The slapstick humor of The Ambush Party is refreshing. The international group was founded in Amsterdam in 2006, and consists of Dutchman Oscar Jan Hoogland (piano), Norwegian Harald Austbo (cello) and the Argentines Natalio Sued (tenor sax) and Marcos Baggiani (drums). For years the quartet has been at the vanguard of the thriving Amsterdam improv scene, and is now spreading its wings. At the end of 2010, their first CD was released (without a title), which was celebrated with a gig at the Bimhuis. This summer they will debut at the North Sea Jazz Festival.
