Matthias Van den Brande
Saxophonist/Composer/Arranger/Teacher
Matthias Van den Brande is a young saxophone player and composer/arranger with already an interesting story. Having lived and studied in various corners of the world, from his home country Belgium to the Netherlands (Amsterdam) and the United States (Philadelphia), he developed a strong voice and personality in the jazz idiom and beyond. Recently, Matthias played and recorded as a soloist with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra for the project ‘The Future Is Now’. In 2018, he released his debut album as a leader called ‘Opus #1’, blending a classical wind quintet and a jazz quartet together through his own original compositions and arrangements. In 2022, he released a second album entitled 'Three Sides of a Coin' with his award-winning trio. For 2 years, the trio played extensively in Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy and France.
A new album called 'Fields of Color', inspired by the artworks of Mark Rothko, will come out in March 2025 on Fresh Sound Records. For the occasion, Matthias invited Jean-Paul Estiévenart to join the trio on trumpet.
Matthias is also a frequently asked sideman in various groups such as the Tijs Klaassen Quintet, Mo van der Does Motet, Saxkartel, Marit van der Lei Nextet, Basile Rahola Quartet, Daan Herweg Quartet, ... Venues you might have seen him play at include the Bimhuis (NL), Bozar (BE), Lantarenvenster (NL), North Sea Jazz Festival (NL), Gent Jazz Festival (BE), deSingel (BE), Jazz Middelheim (BE), ...
For recent shows, check the concert list on this website or follow Matthias and his bands on social media.
Awards:
Matthias Van den Brande Trio - 'Grand Prix Du Jury' - Tremplin Jazz 'Concours Européen' Avignon (2022)
Matthias Van den Brande Trio - 'Prix du meilleur instrumentaliste' - Tremplin Jazz 'Concours Européen' Avignon (2022)
Matthias Van den Brande Trio – B-Jazz Contest 'Grand Prize Albert Michiels' (2022)
Tijs Klaassen Quintet – SENA performers award, Dutch Jazz Competition (2021)
Mo van der Does Motet – Keep an Eye the Records (2020)
Matthias Van den Brande Group – Art of Musical Expression Award (2018)
Tijs Klaassen Quintet – Keep an Eye the Records (2018)
Spoken Saxophone Quartet – Keep an Eye the Records (2017)
Matthias Van den Brande - Cultuurprijs Deurne (2011)
Fields of Color
Step into the wonderful world of 'Fields of Color', Inspired by the impressive paintings of Mark Rothko, this project brings to life a vibrant palette of sounds and feelings.
With his profound fascination for Rothko's art, Matthias has been guided by the intense emotions and subtle nuances found in Rothko's paintings. Just as Rothko's canvases convey a profound sense of spirituality through color, light, and composition, 'Fields of Color' aims to create a similar depth and richness of sonic landscapes.
This intriguing project not only showcases Matthias Van den Brande's award-winning trio, but also welcomes the acclaimed trumpeter Jean-Paul Estiévenart, who adds an extra dimension of expressiveness and virtuosity to the musical exploration. Together, they create a symphony of colors and sounds, where each note is a brushstroke on the canvas of the imagination.
Bass
Saxophone, compositions
“I became a painter because I wanted to raise painting to the level of poignancy of music and poetry.”
M. Rothko
QUOTES & TESTIMONIALS
"... Ce fut un concert épatant et parfaitement audible avec trois instrumentistes exceptionnels et très fins qui ont bien mérité leurs deux prix."
Florence Ducommun
Journalist | Jazzin.fr
"I love the space they used. They were very creative using the trio and different sounds, also embedded in tradition but with a modern approach. The interplay was just great!"
Maarten Weyler
Belgian musicologist | Koninklijk Conservatorium Gent & Halewynstichting
"I really loved the concept of the 2 voices of sax and bass. The very adult, very deep felt music and sound was really amazing. Fantastic compositions, really nostalgic with a nice gentle touch. Really fantastic!"
Sabine Kûhlich
German singer & composer | Jazz Voice Hochschule für Musik Würzburg
"Very good interplay between rhythmical section and saxophone, original pieces but in connection with tradition and jazz language. No patterns and licks but very deep and full language and sound."
Nicola Di Tommaso
Italian guitarist & composer | Saint Louis College of Music in Rome
"The tunes were so rich with colours and harmony and interplay. Propulsion, but never too much. You really embraced the emptiness of not having an harmonic instrument. Bravo!"
Artan Buleshkaj
Belgian gitarist & composer
"Very good balance and rhythmic patterns. There is a really good interaction in the band. We heard high quality music and very good melodic ideas. It was very interesting to hear you guys, thank you!"
Aygül Günaltay-Weyler
Turkey | PhD in classical music & pianist
PRESS
