Reeds And Deeds at Hothouse Leiden

A sextet of musicians from Holland and the USA, with roots in postbop, avantgarde ́, and orchestral jazz, have joined forces to form a truly stellar ensemble to play
the compositions of the great Rahsaan Roland Kirk.
Reeds and Deeds features
Frans Vermeerssen-saxophones
Alex Coke-saxophone and flute
Bo van de Graaf- saxophone
Michiel Braam-piano
Arjen Gorter-bass
Makki van Engelen-drums
Reeds & Deeds originated as a one-off happening dedicated to the music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk (August 7, 1935- December 5, 1977), a passionate and
inventive improviser, who often played multiple saxophones at the same time....

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A sextet of musicians from Holland and the USA, with roots in postbop, avantgarde ́, and orchestral jazz, have joined forces to form a truly stellar ensemble to play
the compositions of the great Rahsaan Roland Kirk.
Reeds and Deeds features
Frans Vermeerssen-saxophones
Alex Coke-saxophone and flute
Bo van de Graaf- saxophone
Michiel Braam-piano
Arjen Gorter-bass
Makki van Engelen-drums
Reeds & Deeds originated as a one-off happening dedicated to the music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk (August 7, 1935- December 5, 1977), a passionate and
inventive improviser, who often played multiple saxophones at the same time.
Kirk was a gifted composer who wrote soulful, catchy themes. Renowned for his onstage vitality, where his virtuosic improvisation was accompanied by comic banter, political ranting, and the ability to play several instruments simultaneously, Kirk inspired many musicians in the US and The Netherlands, although his works are not often performed live.
Saxophonist Bo van de Graaff is a great admirer of the music, along with both Alex Coke and Frans Vermeerssen who had each previously released albums
with Kirk's music.
(Vermeerssen 1995 project resultied in his quintet's famous album One for Rahsaan and Coke was the featured soloist with Austin Jazz Workshop's 2009 Kirk program, performing more than100 live dates and recording Mystery Note).
For a 2015 performance at the Bimhuis, Coke and van de Graaf assembled an all- star band with Vermeerssen, bassist Arjen Gorter, drummer Makki van Engelen and
pianist Michiel Braam where the idea found an enthusiastic audience.
In the spirt of Rahsaan Roland Kirk's own Bright Moments! and in honour of a great American jazz musician, Reeds and Deeds, referring to an eponymous 1963 album, was born!

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