Bart Wirtz

WHEN THE HEAD FIGHTS BUT THE HEART CHOOSES

‘The head versus the heart’ is the central theme of Beneath The Surface. It is about what’s on the surface as well as what lies beneath it. Some emotions, such as personal doubt and insecurity, are clear, but others remain vague and elusive. Wirtz reflects on the past, gives a vision for the future and seizes the ‘now’. “At this point in my life I feel it is time for this album.” With his fourth solo studio album, the Dutch alto saxophonist takes a whole new direction. The blend of hip-hop, rock, jazz and funk is a departure from the sound of his earlier work. “I hope the music appeals to people who are open to different styles and have a feel for vibe and energy.”

Beneath The Surface is the first album on Wirtz’s own label iDreamer Records. Wirtz composed most of the music himself and also managed the production. In addition to saxophone, he also incorporates the varitone, organelle, flute, percussion, omnichord and vocals. The band features Emiel van Rijthoven on keys, Kasper Kalf on bass and Niek de Bruijn on drums. Frank Wienk (also known as Binkbeats) provides percussion, vocals, synths & sounds. There are guest performances by the British rapper/saxofonist Soweto Kinch, singers Ntjam Rosie and Mingue, Lucas Meijers on guitar, Mete Erker on bass clarinet and Louk Boudesteijn on trombone.

ABOUT BART WIRTZ
In 2012 the New York recording of the album iDreamer (with Nicholas Payton and others) moved the career of alto saxophonist Bart Wirtz into high gear. It earned him the 2012 Dutch Edison Jazzism prize. The track Evolution of the Innocent landed on a Spotify playlist and was streamed more than 3 million times. This album was followed by Interview (2014) in which Wirtz collaborated with the American trumpeter Sean Jones, seamlessly bringing together musical influences.
Bart Wirtz has been part of the Artvark Saxophone Quartet for more than 10 years. He plays in the New Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra and was co-founder and artistic leader of Monsieur Dubois and The Young Sinatras (later The Very Next).