‘#5xTypical’ is a series of music based interviews with musicians by Karen van Gilst. What do musicians listen to? While cleaning, during sexy time or when working out? Do they have specific songs for specific moments? Or do they listen to music to influence their emotions?
"Because although I do listen to instrumental music most of the time, I can really appreciate singing." - Kika Sprangers (saxophonist)
Because Cannonball Adderly is one of my biggest examples there had to be a song of his in this list. He plays so effortlessly but at the same time, doesn't. He makes sure to take you with him in his music. I always feel happy listening to him. Waltz for Debby is one of the first vinyl records I bought.
I really wanted a ballad in this list and after a long search I finally found a Wayne Shorter song. He really inspired me. I find it funny, you often come across people who think he is either totally crazy or abhorred. And I understand that. He is so unique in his sound, his playing and his lines. And yet he is typically an example of someone more than a player, more than a saxophonist in itself. His compositions and his way of playing and thinking about music and the feeling that he puts into it, I really see that as from another planet.
I played Infant Eyes during my transitional exam when I just started playing soprano. Wayne Shorter on soprano is a case on it's own, I think, almost off-tune actually. It is so one's own and unique. Just so cool! And although it is difficult to play a piece that you yourself find beautiful - you suddenly start approaching a piece in an analytical way that the beauty of the piece is almost lost - I can still enjoy this song immensely.
I heard this song from Toon Roos, my teacher at that time. First of all, I love the musicians who play on this. This are musicians I have seen playing and met from the jazz tradition, musicians who give me inspiration. Bart Joris is not only a fantastic player but also a fantastic composer.
In addition, I also wanted to add something vocal to the list. Because although I do listen to instrumental music most of the time, I can really appreciate singing. It moves me. It is so direct.
I really like this album. It is with a quinctet (15 members) with all strings and horns. Even a bass clarinet and French horn. It is very groove-oriented music which is special with this line-up. That makes it origional and new. Even if it is from 2013 (?) Or something.
This song inspired me to set up a large ensemble because I think it's great to hear how such an ensemble with wind instruments and strings together create so much color. Color that you miss if you play this music in a quintet or quartet.
Although it is almost impossible to bring so many people together. To make sure they know their music or to write for it alone. But if it works out, it's great! It's so nice to work with such a large group. Don't get me started on managing them!
I like Seamus Blake in both his own and other bands. Not all of his music is great by the way, but I want to highlight this song. It is also played with a large ensemble. Seamus plays the soprano himself. It has a very nice melody and the arrangement hit me immediately. This is one of those pieces I can only describe with one word. A song that I can listen to 10 times in a day, loud, and not be bored.
Kika Sprangers is a young jazz musician concurring the jazz-world. She just released her debut album 'Human Traits' and already got asked to write multiple compositions for the Grachten Festival.
She played at North Sea Jazz Festival and Vrije Geluiden. In 2018 she was crowned 'Jazz VIP' together with pianist Sebastiaan van Bavel and toured all major jazz venues in Holland.