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Henk Kraaijeveld
Henk Kraaijeveld occupies a unique place in the land of European jazz vocalists, somewhere between the known and the unknown. As one of the rare male vocalists who seeks musical adventure, he combines compelling music, poetic lyrics, and surprising improvisations. The award-winning singer disarms audiences with his warm voice and natural playfulness on stage. For Henk, storytelling through music is essential, connecting people with themselves and the world around them.
Influenced by Sufi poet Rumi, Sting, Pat Metheny, and Bobby McFerrin, Kraaijeveld made a strong impact with his debut album, Passengers (2018), and his follow-up, Patches of Sky (2023). His quintet, featuring Metropole Orkest soloist Paul van der Feen, consists of creative and energetic musicians from the Netherlands. The group has performed at renowned Dutch jazz clubs and festivals, including the Amsterdam BIMhuis and TivoliVredenburg, and has toured internationally in Germany, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and South Korea.
In 2013, Kraaijeveld won the Dutch Vocal Jazz Competition, and he currently teaches jazz voice at the Amsterdam Conservatory.
“Certainly a very bright spot on today’s map of jazz in Europe.”
– JazzSoul (Poland)
“Socially engaged vocal acrobatics.”
– Nederlands Dagblad (NL)
“Henk Kraaijeveld is a kind of mix of Mark Murphy in terms of hip flexibility and Michael Franks in terms of casual cool… Lots of great ideas, and ones that keep with the jazz tradition yet push forward. Look for this guy!”
– JazzWeekly (US)
Joining Henk will be Daan Herweg on piano, Tobias Nijboer on double bass, Roberto Pistolesi on drums and Paul van der Feen on saxophone