Stage design by Ivana Djukic.
The North Sea String Quartet is the Dutch jazz string quartet of the moment. The improvising string players shine a new light on the time-honored string quartet through their outspoken improvisations, innovative playing styles and idiosyncratic compositions, inspired by modern jazz, world music, modern classical and EDM. In doing so, they build on a young tradition that began with the American Turtle Island Quartet in 1985.
The quartet has been active internationally for many years, notably in collaborations with artists such as Trio da Kali (ML), Roland Satterwhite (US), Lilian Vieira (BR), Javier Infante (ES) and Samora Pinderhughes (US), and has played at major festivals such as North Sea Jazz, Salzburg Jazz & the City and Canarias Jazz & Más.
The urge to focus on the quartet’s own talents results in the release of their debut album full of sparkling compositions and lively improvisations.
George Dumitriu (viool/altviool)
Pablo Rodríguez (viool)
Yanna Pelser (altviool)
Thomas van Geelen (cello)
Album Title: Splunge
Genre: Jazz / Classical / Experimental
Label: 7 Mountain Records
Release date: 10 May 2024
Youtube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ4iPWDvY74
One of our tightest tunes that we ever released, composed by our talented violinist, George Dumitriu! We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful audience that surrounded us and filled the atmosphere with their incredible energy.
Recorded at Batavierhuis on May 13, 2023 Special thanks to all the Batavierhuis crew.
Camera and editing by Felipe Pipi. 2nd Camera by Tijmen de Vries Sound mixing by Pablo Rodríguez.
Youtube URL: https://youtu.be/ko9DxKeAl0I
A danceable triptych entirely inspired by drum ‘n bass and EDM. Here, Pablo Rodríguez uses an electronic ‘stompbox’ to mimic the sound of a bass drum. Effects such as ‘delay’ and ‘distortion’ are mimicked acoustically. A wide range of innovative percussive techniques are unleashed on the string instruments, and there is plenty of room for improvisation.
Recorded at Batavierhuis on May 13, 2023 Special thanks to all the Batavierhuis crew.
Camera and editing by Felipe Pipi. 2nd Camera by Tijmen de Vries Sound mixing by Pablo Rodríguez.
‘Cryptosplash’ has an angular theme inspired by Steve Coleman and Vijay Iyer, with room for improvised solo moments.
Audio: Volver Studio
Video: Red Sun Video Concepts
Recorded at Dock Zuid, Tilburg,
The Netherlands © 2023
Youtube URL: https://youtu.be/8721Ummr5Sc?si=vKHWWXSeZjldJUy_
You can call it chamber jazz, but the members of the North Sea String Quartet will be the last ones to try and limit their work by mere stylistic descriptions. As improvising string players active in the Dutch music scene, they are influenced by classical, world and folk music. Four creative minds combining their full potential and diverse musical backgrounds, creating a unique sound, and having a lot of fun in doing so.
Youtube URL: https://youtu.be/8721Ummr5Sc?si=vKHWWXSeZjldJUy_
You can call it chamber jazz, but the members of the North Sea String Quartet will be the last ones to try and limit their work by mere stylistic descriptions. As improvising string players active in the Dutch music scene, they are influenced by classical, world and folk music. Four creative minds combining their full potential and diverse musical backgrounds, creating a unique sound, and having a lot of fun in doing so.
“Last Ferry” is a minimalist and sensitive piece that ends with harmonic improvisation inspired by a ferry trip in Helsinki.
Audio: Volver Studio
Video: Red Sun Video Concepts
Recorded at Dock Zuid, Tilburg,
The Netherlands © 2023