Juxtaposition and Tim Vermeulen Quartet each played a punishing set at 30CC (Leuven), Rataplan (Antwerp) and CC Het SPOOR (Harelbeke). No easy task for the eight-member jury. TB Project and Tomer Cohen Trio were selected to play at the finals during Jazz in ‘t Park in September. Congratulations!
The jury was impressed by TB Project during the first preliminary round: “There is a lot of interaction between the musicians, resulting in a strong group that masters their skills well. The palette of sounds, enriched by the vibraphone, adds a pleasant dimension. They know how to stand out for their craftsmanship and show this through a very playful approach to making music. As a band, they stand firm with a fully developed concept.”
Tomer Cohen Trio could convince during the second preliminary round: “The sound and approach to the music are very mature, resulting in a fine atmosphere and a strong collaboration with good intensity. The music is varied and edifying, suitable for a select audience, and manages to respond to the listener with stimulating elements. The virtuoso and melodic guitar playing adds a profound dimension, making listening to the band feel like reading a book or listening to a unique album.”
During the finals in September, these two Belgian winners of the preliminary rounds will compete against four international acts from Spain, the Netherlands, Italy & Romania. They will play in front of an international jury, which will select the final winner.