Download from Bandcamp

REINIER BAAS VS. PRINCESS DISCOMBOBULATRIX

‘Discombobulatrix’ is a mostly instrumental, partly improvised surrealist opera in three acts, masterfully illustrated by Amsterdam based comic artist Typex. The story revolves around ‘Princess Discombobulatrix’, a highly confusing figure, ‘The Duke of Waalwijk’ and ‘The General’, who attempt to woo the Princess desperately, and a shapeshifter called ‘The Enormous Wizard Zendor’. It’s not long before the events turn into a tragedy, in which all the characters die a bizarre and violent death.

Soprano Nora Fischer plays the role of ‘Princess Discombobulatrix’ (sporadically), while the rest of the line-up is comprised of the creme de la creme of the Dutch jazz scene, with among others Joris Roelofs, Ben van Gelder and Martijn Vink. The musicians are pushed to their limits by Baas’ happily deranged eclectic melting pot: they play with ‘classical’ precision, improvise parts of the music on the spot and go back and forth between highly danceable post-punk and Wagner-like ballades.

‘Reinier Baas vs. Princess Discombobulatrix’ is released in September 2016 as a tin box with a CD, download card + comic book, postcard series and poster by Typex. For the album, the line-up is extended with strings, woodwinds and french horn.

* * * * – PAROOL

* * * * * – JAZZISM

* * * * – TROUW

“In one word: sublime.” – JAZZNU

“An overwhelming and surrealist musical experience.” – NEDERLANDS DAGBLAD

“Ravel, Prokofiev, Poulenc, Baas, truly!” – VILLA D’ARTE

“A splendid combination of music that is written out in detail and typical jazz improvisation.” – VOLSKRANT

“A masterful and unique album.” – JAZZENZO

“With his imaginary opera, Reinier Baas proves to be a young musical grandmaster. […] One of the best young musicians and composers of the Lowlands.” – 3voor12

‘Discombobulatrix’ is supported by SENA Music Production Fund, Performing Arts Fund NL and Fonds 21. The first version of the music was the result of a carte blanche granted by the North Sea Jazz Festival 2015.

artwork: Typex

www.reinierbaas.com

Amsterdam based guitarist and composer Reinier Baas has been in charge of ‘The More Socially Relevant Jazz Music Ensemble’ since 2010, with which he toured in Japan, Australia, New Zeeland and Europe. His second album, ‘Mostly Improvised Instrumental Indie Music’, was awarded and Edison in 2013. Both the North Sea Jazz Festival and November Music Festival granted him composition assignments in 2015. He was a soloist with the Metropole Orchestra in 2016, together with long time partner in crime Ben van Gelder, in a programme comprised of their compositions. As a sideman, he has performed at esteemed venues all over the globe, with among others Han Bennink, Chris Speed, Gregory Porter, Hans Teeuwen, Benjamin Herman and Jesse van Ruller.

Unusual music and niche music theory. Since 1985.

1. reinierbaas.com