The Jazz-O-Matic Four has been a fixture on the Dutch and European traditional jazz scene for over 50 years. The band was founded in 1973 by cornettist Hein Denekamp, who also came up with its unusual line-up.
The original formation featured cornet, bass saxophone, piano and drums, but the drums were later replaced by banjo. In the late 1980s, Ad Houtepen succeeded bass saxophonist Ronald Jansen Heijtmajer. When Hein Denekamp died in 1993, Peter Ivan took over his position. Today, the band consists of Peter Ivan on cornet, Tom Stuip on banjo, Hans de Bruijn on piano and Ad Houtepen on bass saxophone, with the latter three also contributing vocals.
Hans de Bruijn is now the only musician remaining from the original line-up. The Jazz-O-Matic Four delivers top-quality acoustic jazz, played by musicians at the forefront of the Dutch traditional jazz scene. All four musicians are featured as soloists, while piano, bass saxophone and banjo also provide the rhythmic foundation. The resulting sound is much bigger than the four-piece line-up would suggest, earning the band its nickname, ‘The World’s Smallest Big Band’.
Their repertoire focuses on jazz from 1915–1940. They have appeared at numerous jazz festivals at home and abroad and have toured across Europe, as well as the Netherlands Antilles, Japan, the USA, the Gulf States and Pakistan.
Playlist
- Album: Can’t We Be Friends
I’d Rather Be The Girl In Your Arms, I’m Coming Virginia - Album: I’m Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover
Carolina in the Morning, I‘ll built A Stairway To Paradise, I’m Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover - Album: On Tour In Sweden
Alabama Bound, How I Am To Know - Album: Looking At The World
The One I Love , You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby, Look At The Silver Lining. - Album: Happy Feet
How Come You Do Me Like You Do, My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms - Album: Clap Hands
Oh Miss Hannah, Keepin’ Out Of Mischief Now
