In many ways this record is about meeting and parting, migrating and reuniting. It always has been and will be a natural condition in life. To a certain extent all humans get to deal with it. But for some, unfortunately, the situation is so precarious that they have to migrate and request for asylum. I belief it’s time to recognise the urgency of redistribution as a key to provide solutions to get better conditions for those who need it most. In real life there is nothing such as a “Blues Excuse”.

As a band we meet, play and split again and I always look forward to the next time we gather together and let the magic happen. Every time it’s different but exciting, thanks to those incredible musicians and dear friends.

Dré and I met in our teenage, he was only fourteen. We discovered a lot of music together and jammed for hours. Because of his incredible talent and musical understanding, Dré quickly started playing with everybody in the local jazz scene and far beyond. So each of us went his own way. But our friendship always remained though, and I’m very happy to have Dré in this band. It truly is a sweet reunion.

Bram and I have played many many gigs together with different projects of his and mine. I can’t describe the comfort he provides and the musicality he delivers. I’ve met him as a student at the Antwerp Conservatory many years ago in my ensemble class, and right away felt comfortable with his attitude and playing. He is one of a kind.

Around that same period I met Bart. I heard him playing at Hopper (a great jazz place in Antwerp) and was - and still am - impressed by his sound, soul and expression. The way he exposes the essence in the music is touching, and that is exactly what I’m aiming for. I’m very very happy we finally play together on a regular basis.

Maybe it’s strange to have two drummers on this record, but I’m really happy that Wim is on there too. Since Dré is often very busy, it’s Wim taking his seat, and doing much more than a superb job. I really dig his playing and decided to let him take part on the record as well, because he is definitely part of this project.

Piet



“Bright Minor” is dedicated to Milan Verbist.
“Suite Réunion” is dedicated to Dré Pallemaerts.
“Hope In Despair” is dedicated to Kitty Vancouillie.


Thanks to all who participated in this recording project -
First of all the musicians in the band: Bart, Bram, Dré and Wim,
Pierre Dozin for fantastic studio work, recording and mixing,
Brian Schwab and Chad McCullough for great mastering,
Bram Goots for beautiful pictures,
John Bishop for fine art work and providing once again the opportunity to get my music out.

A special thanks to my dear son Milan, who still was a minor at the time I wrote “Bright Minor”.
I am very grateful for his incredible dedication to music and I’m very curious where he is going…
A very special thanks to Kitty, for standing by my side, for love and inspiration,
and to Juno, Egon and Alvar, for making our lives complete.
A big thanks to my mom without whom none of this could ever have happened.

And many thanks to YOU for supporting us and for taking time to listen!