Septet Frans Elsen Featuring Piet Noordijk
Norway (2lp)
In the early seventies, pianist Frans Elsen (1934-2011) and alto saxophonist Piet Noordijk (1932-2011) formed a unique septet to play funk jazz. Their material was never released and is now available on a double LP. In 1970, pianist Frans Elsen spent part of the summer in Norway. Inspired by the desolate surroundings and the small towns, he wrote and arranged a 'Norwegian cycle' that he performed with his brand new electric septet. A star-studded line-up: altoist Piet Noordijk, trumpeter Eddie Engels, guitarist Wim Overgaauw and drummer Eric Ineke were members of this unique band, which was highly innovative and forward-thinking in sound and concept. At the time, they never made a complete album. However, two brilliant studio sessions have been found over fifty years later, recorded for the European Broadcasting Union and Radio Nederland Wereldomroep. The septet can also be heard live on this album performing at the International Loosdrecht Jazz Festival (1972) and - in its original line-up as a sextet - in The Hague's Pepijn theatre. With liner notes by drummer Eric Ineke.