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Jesper Somsen

 

Jasper Somsen studied Jazz and Classical double bass at the conservatories of Utrecht, Hilversum and Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
During his career Jasper has performed with the “crème de la crème” of the Dutch jazz scene including among others pianists Bert van den Brink (Boy Edgar Prize 2007) and Michiel Borstlap; drummer John Engels; saxophonist Ferdinand Povel; singer Rita Reys and trumpet player Eric Vloeimans.
As a bandleader Jasper recorded and produced three CDs: Tettero (2001) and the New Standard Trio (2003 & 2006). Currently he heads the Jasper Somsen Group, with which he recorded the highly acclaimed album: "Dreams, Thoughts & Poetry" (The Music of Enrico Pieranunzi) -  release: 2010, Challenge Records.
As a sideman Jasper has played on several CDs including “Mouthpieces” (2007) & "Live, feat. Lydia van Dam" (2011) with Dutch trumpet player Bert Lochs and German guitarist Florian Zenker. The Trio Bert Lochs was invited to play at the North Sea Jazz Festival 2008, Rotterdam (NL). In 2008 Jasper worked with vocalist Nancy Marano (USA), during her stay in Holland and subsequently formed part of the band for the 2009 tour, featuring Ferdinand Povel (sax) and Rob van Bavel (piano). Jasper is the regular bassist with saxophonist Willem Hellbreker's trio and quartet: CD "Saxvibes" (2010). Since 2001 Jasper fills the bass chair at the silent movie orchestra's The Sprockets & Orchestra da Camera Oscura (concerts in a.o. Finland, Germany, Belgium & Italy).
As an educator Jasper was appointed as (guest) teacher at the Conservatories of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Alkmaar. In addition Jasper currently runs his own Bass Academy in his home town Wageningen, The Netherlands.
2011 high-lights:
CD recording: Pieter Bast's ESP Quintet, with a.o. Bert Lochs & Michael Rörby
Festival da Jazz, St. Moritz (Switzerland), with Maria Markesini (Greece) & Bert van den Brink
Jazz Festival Madrid (Spain): Jasper Somsen Trio & Rembrandt Frerichs Trio
Jazz Festival Delmenhorst/Bremen (Germany), with jazz vocalist JD Walter (USA)
Connection Arts/European  Organ Fesitval (The Netherlands), with Bert van den Brink
Bend Like Steel -Tour (The Netherlands), with singer/songwriter Lori Lieberman (USA).
2010 high-lights:
CD release concerts in november: Jasper Somsen Group
CD releases: Jasper Somsen Group (October '10), Trio Bert Lochs & Lydia van Dam (Spring '11) and Saxvibes: Willem Hellbreker/Frits Landesbergen Quartet (September '10).
Camera Orchestra da Oscura: Film in concert at the Midnight Sun Festival, Sodankyla (Northern Finland -  June)
Concerts at venues and festivals: Trio Bert Lochs & Lydia van Dam (Meer Jazz Festival, Hoofddorp), Pieter Bast ESP quintet (Jazz in Duketown, Den Bosch), Willem Hellbreker Quartet, Maria Markesini & Bert van den Brink (BIM-Huis, Amsterdam - November)
2009 high-lights:
New CD recording Jasper Somsen Group: "Dreams, Thoughts & Poetry" (The music of Enrico Pieranunzi)
Jazz Impuls Tour 2009-2010 with the Trio Bert Lochs and singer Lydia van Dam: Video Tubes
Mini-tour and master classes with Nancy Marano - featuring Ferdinand Povel (sax) and Rob van Bavel (piano)
Concert & CD presentation: vocalist/pianist Maria Markesini (Greece) & pianist Bert van den Brink - Concertgebouw, Amsterdam.

Home page: http://www.jaspersomsen.com/