Norman Samuels Trio

The Norman Samuels Trio takes you by the hand and drifts off. The three friends, Norman Samuels (fretless bass guitar), Fee Aaij (piano) and Peter Jan van Kaam (drums), share a special natural dynamic since the first day they made music together. The group presents the introspective and melancholic compositions of Norman and is characterised by the prominent role of his uniquely sounding fretless bass guitar: Godin A4.

His semi-acoustic bass sounds as if a double bass and a bass guitar had a bastard child. Aware of the controversial role of the electric bass in traditional jazz music, Norman consciously grabs the opportunity to shine a new light on the instrument in trio context. 

His compositions draw inspiration from the experimental harmonies of the 1960s jazz with artists such as Bill Evans and Paul Bley. However, the songs are equally influenced by modern jazz heroes like Bill Frisell, Pat Matheny and Brad Mehldau. Fee and Peter effortlessly interpret the music of Norman and are not scared to push it into unknown territory. The trio has honed their craft by teachings from Dutch jazz luminaries such as Wiro Mahieu, Jeroen van Vliet, and Philipp Rüttgers.

Listen to the single of Norman Samuels Trio: 'Panta Rei'

Photos By Elske Nissen

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