Brussels Jazz Orchestra and Bert Joris go way back. When the orchestra was formed more than three decades ago, Bert's repertoire was a thankful starting point and a regular part of the set list. Over the years, that warm, intense bond of trust led to various collaborations in which Bert alternately fulfilled the roles of composer, arranger, soloist and external ear. The Music of Bert Joris (2002) is undoubtedly the most successful BJO album in the discography, loved from New York to Japan and for many a benchmark in the world of big band music. In 2027, Bert will treat himself to a new collaboration with the orchestra for his 70th birthday, once again combining his talent as a composer, arranger and trumpeter with the unique BJO sound : The Music of Bert Joris - The Next Chapter.
‘It never ceases to amaze me: all over the world, people come up to me to talk about the 2002 double CD The Music of Bert Joris. When we recorded it, we had absolutely no idea of the impact the album would have. (…) I was recently in Australia for a major big band event with thousands of young people, and it turned out they were all familiar with this repertoire. I’ve experienced the same thing in Japan and the States: young people coming up to me spontaneously to tell me why a particular piece has meant so much to them or inspired them to pursue a career in big band music,’ says Bert.
Bert Joris’s favourite place to compose is an oasis of tranquillity surrounded by greenery in the province of Antwerp. A simple little cottage, a wooden swing, a vantage point in a tree and a maze of paths in the surrounding woodland have inspired him to create new music countless times. For Bert, The Music of Bert Joris – The Next Chapter is a logical continuation of what he has been doing throughout his career. ‘BJO is a musical machine with enormous potential. Over the years, you’ve come to know exactly where the strengths of the individual musicians and the ensemble as a whole lie.’
As well as his writing spot in the countryside, a few special people played a major role in the composition of the new music. ‘There are a number of pieces on the new album that were inspired by my grandchildren. That’s a completely new perspective in my life, and it brings a colour to the music that I hadn’t experimented with before.’
‘Throughout my career, I have spent a lot of time in the world of big bands and met many other orchestras from all over the world who use The Music of Bert Joris (2002) as a starting point and reference point for their own work. Because the musicians of Brussels Jazz Orchestra have been playing together for so long, they have developed a sound that is almost instantly recognisable. A BJO sound. It is an orchestra that gives me a lot of freedom in my writing because they can handle anything. Not only do they have the necessary talent, but they are also willing to fully commit themselves to the music as an ensemble. No one is scared of putting all their energy into playing together, which is really nice. When, after a year's break from composing, I felt inspiration bubbling up again, I didn't hesitate to approach them myself with the idea of writing new music. – Bert Joris
The Music of Bert Joris - The Next Chapter will be released on January 29, 2027, coinciding with its premiere at Concertgebouw Brugge. To add to the festivities, there are three options:
