The Pierre Anckaert Trio plays contemporary jazz with classical and South-American influences

The Pierre Anckaert Trio plays contemporary jazz with classical and South-American influences. The band isn't looking for crackling fireworks, but rather for a solid ensemble.

The three musicians mix up charming themes, infectious rhythms and Cuban colour. A sparkly piano, a thrumming bass and sharp drums add some serious punch to the music.

Pierre Anckaert (°1980) is a young pianist who went to Cuba to perfect his art. Bassist Hendrik Vanattenhoven also spent time in Cuba and really feels the music. Drummer Mimi Verderame understands this kind of music perfectly, is alert and inventive.

The music on their well received debut CD Candide breathes this Latin atmosphere, at times stimulating and exciting and at other times elegant and seductive. Sometimes you think you're hearing Chick Corea, the tender sound of Claude Debussy or the volcanic dance rhythms of the Cuban pianists Chucho Valdés or Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Anckaert has a talent for intertwining all of these influences seamlessly. Expect complex and triumphant modern jazz, wavering between ingenious themes and virtuoso solos.

(c) JazzLab Series 2009