Celebrating both 50 years of the group, and also Han Bennink’s 75th birthday, the Instant Composers Pool (ICP) take up a 2 night residency at the Vortex. The Instant Composers Pool is a unique and internationally renowned collective of Dutch composer-improviser-instrumentalists formed in 1967 by Misha Mengelberg, Han Bennink and Willem Breuker.
Over the years, the ever-evolving orchestra has collaborated with many giants of the experimental music world. Their current line-up consists of ten of the most innovative musical voices from around the globe, including ICP co-founder Han Bennink – one of the most in demand drummers in Europe, saxophonists/clarinettists Michael Moore, Ab Baars and trombonist Wolter Wierbos.
They are joined by Tobias Delius (clarinet, tenor sax), Ernst Glerum (double-bass). Thomas Heberer (cornet, trumpet), Tristan Honsinger (cello), Guus Janssen (piano, organ) and Mary Oliver (violin, viola) all of whom are highly active with bands across Europe and North America. Sadly co-founder Misha Mengelberg, who appeared along with Han Bennink at the 2006 Gateshead International Jazz Festival is no longer well enough to perform.
The exact programme is always a surprise, as the band decides just a few minutes before the performance what they will be playing. From ragtime to swing, bop to free jazz, classical to carnival, the ICP Orchestra continues to be at the forefront of experimental music. Nothing else sounds quite like them and no two gigs are ever alike.
“…The Instant Composers Pool Orchestra, from Amsterdam, ….they are scholars and physical comedians, critics and joy-spreaders.” New York Times