Catalog

Brussels Jazz Orchestra asked arranger Bert Joris to arrange a few selected pieces from Pieranunzi’s rich repertoire. Joris, who knows how to employ the full potential of the orchestra like no one else, succeeded in adapting these light, airy compositions for the larger forces of the BJO. With soloists Pieranunzi himself on piano and Bert Joris on trumpet, Brussels Jazz Orchestra creates an intimate and layered sound. A top-level European jazz project!

Enrico Pieranunzi has recorded around 80 CDs under his own name and has composed no fewer than 300 tunes. Some of these (‘Night bird’, ‘Don’t forget the poet’, ‘Fellini’s waltz’) have become veritable standards. He has shared the stage with Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, Marc Johnson and many others and he is one of the few European artists to have performed and recorded at the prestigious Village Vanguard in New York. Jazz trumpet player Bert Joris (1957) has built a solid reputation as an improviser, composer, arranger and teacher. His work is being performed by musicians all over the world.

The Brussels Jazz Orchestra plays jazz with a dynamic orchestral sound rooted in jazz tradition. The only professional large jazz ensemble in Belgium has a reputation stretching from Singapore to New York. They are frequent guests at festivals and stages all over the world. The recordings of the BJO, 18 CDs to date, have received international recognition and been awarded numerous prizes. In 2012 the orchestra was part of the Oscar triumph for the silent film The Artist, as co-performer of the soundtrack. The album “Wild Beauty” featuring Joe Lovano (2013) scored two Grammy Award Nominations.

The Brussels Jazz Orchestra is in residence at Flagey (Brussels) and celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013. The orchestra – a member of the European Music Circle – works under the artistic direction of Frank Vaganée.