Undercurrent Orchestra & Ties Mellema

The Undercurrent Orchestra led by saxophonist, clarinetist and composer Iman Spaargaren will engage in a special collaboration with saxophonist and composer Ties Mellema on 13 September at Splendor. Compositions specially written for this evening by all members of the Orchestra and Ties Mellema will be played in different line-ups. The overarching theme 'Buurman & Buurman/Pat & Mat' gives insight into the art of living together in the big city of Amsterdam. Iman Spaargaren and Ties Mellema live in the same street in De Baarsjes and marvel at the unusual behavior of their fellow townspeople. Expect a musical commentary on social and less social behavior tonight and a glimpse into the psyche of the city dweller.

The Undercurrent Orchestra (Netherlands, Argentina, Norway):
Iman Spaargaren – (bass) clarinet, tenor saxophone
Gerard Kleijn – trumpet, flugelhorn
Joost Buis – trombone
Annie Tangberg – cello
Guillermo Celano -guitar
Marcos Baggiani – drums
And special guest:
Ties Mellema - saxophone, electronics

"Thanks to the beautiful melodies of reed player Iman Spaargaren, which give structure to the music, flexibility is never artificial" - (Mischa Andriessen, Trouw).

"That’s a whole bunch of see-sawing moods expressed through ensemble, solo and group improv, impressionistically slipping between thoughtful arrangements, loose affiliations and uninhibited free music, all suspended over an eclectic set of rhythms. The Orchestra, enthusiastically underlined by drummer Marcos Baggiani, picks and mixes beats from samba, railways, Saharan caravans and horseback. An artistic interpretation of the Covid-19 pandemic: the courageous Undercurrent Orchestra were certainly among the first to tackle this toughest of subjects. And, what’s more, have done a commendable job" - (Len Weinreich, London Jazz News).

"With the colorful instrumentation of Undercurrent Orchestra, Iman Spaargaren delivers an evocative album" - (Bernard Lefevre, Jazzhalo)

"Every composition on the album has something that touches the heart" - (Sjoerd van Aelst, Jazzflits).

Undercurrent Orchestra released their debut album Everything Seems Different on Zennez Records in December 2021, listen here (Spotify).