ABlog http://www.abconcerts.be/en/about-ab/ab-blog?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog ABlog http://www.abconcerts.be/modules/core/layout/images/rss2.gif http://www.abconcerts.be/en/about-ab/ab-blog Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:23:17 +0100 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:23:17 +0100 en <![CDATA[2 new Coca-Cola Sessions confirmed!]]> http://www.abconcerts.be/en/about-ab/ab-blog/p/detail/2-new-coca-cola-sessions-confirmed?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog On Thursday 25 March it will be the turn of promising young Belgians WALLACE VANBORN. We were last year impressed by their support performance for Therapy? and in the meantime record company PIAS has also fallen for them too... As they've just recently released Wallace Vanborn's debut ‘Free Blank Shots’ and that has now already made it into the Top 10 CDs of quality daily De Standaard. Their single ‘Atom Juggler’ is doing just fine on the radio too.

WALLACE VANBORN ‘Atom Juggler’



Tonight, they receive the company of young band LANDFILL from Limburg, whose debut will also be released this month. You can discover a single from it here:

LANDFILL ‘Gentlemen’



On Thursday 29 April it's HOWIE & LINN's turn. The name won't ring a bell right away but when we reveal that Linn is an alias for Lien De Greef a.k.a. Lady Linn, then you'll be completely up to speed. This time she's made a fine collection of Euro-pop songs with her producer Howie Dunham, a strong mix of pop, dance, (nu) rave and even a dash of admissible euro-trance here and there. The first single from their debut (to be released on 5 April) is called ‘Beat The Blues’

HOWIE & LINN ‘Beat The Blues



Watch this blogspot for the announcement of the last Coca-Cola Session of the 2009-2010 season.

2 new Coca-Cola Sessions confirmed! written by Herman Hulsens in: Varia

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]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:53:00 +0100 http://www.abconcerts.be/en/about-ab/ab-blog/p/detail/2-new-coca-cola-sessions-confirmed?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[No balls no glory: exhibition in AB Resto]]> /en/tags/p/detail/howie & linn/p/detail/no-balls-no-glory-exhibition-in-ab-resto?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog No other sponsor has been active in the cycle racing circuit as long as Lotto. 2009 was the 25th year that Lotto was chief sponsor of a professional cycling team. Especially for this anniversary, the most important Dutch language cycle-poet and also city-poet of Ninove, Willie Verhegghe, will present his latest collection of poems in the AB Café, on Friday 12 March.

This event is combined with the opening of a mini-exhibition containing a number of fantastic cycling photos on canvas. The National Lottery last year assigned top German photographer Tino Pohlmann to follow the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France, in order to capture a number of images for Lotto's ‘No balls no glory’ campaign. This resulted in a limited collection of impressive cycling photos. We selected the finest and will exhibit them in the AB Resto.

No balls no glory: exhibition in AB Resto written by Herman Hulsens in: Varia

]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:50:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/howie & linn/p/detail/no-balls-no-glory-exhibition-in-ab-resto?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Who on earth goes to see Channel Zero 8 times?!? Well, their biggest fan!]]> /en/tags/p/detail/howie & linn/p/category/varia/p/detail/who-on-earth-goes-to-see-channel-zero-8-times-well-their-biggest-fan?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog "As the extremely happy winner of the Channel Zero competition "Who is Channel Zero's greatest fan?", I was honoured to attend eight Channel Zero concerts in the AB (yes, you read it right, eight times!).
On the first day I was able to meet the band and had the opportunity to have some things autographed, after which I was able to watch the general rehearsal (with an entire AB hall all for myself). It was almost surreal to be presented with a complete concert while seated in a leather chair on an elevated platform (with a well-filled fridge at my side)." See the video report here.

"The second concert was the show organised especially for the disabled and handicapped, and those accompanying them. No pogo dancing in the front rows, instead there were interpreters for the deaf and they had quite a go too, clearly illustrating the lyrics - and the music – also for the hearing impaired." See the video report here.

"Then, after that, there were the six concerts for the general public. By the way, a record of the event will be available soon on DVD, with thanks to Roadrunner Records. For me, the concert on Friday 22/01 was the highlight. The adrenaline boost experienced by both audience and band, to finally meet once again in a full AB after a more than 12 year absence, that was a real kick.
For Channel Zero, this triumphant visit delivered enough inspiration to keep working on new material (the new single "Black Flowers" already offers a foretaste) and all the people who witnessed Channel Zero in the AB will also surely be shouting along loudly at Graspop. I've already got my combi-ticket!" See the video report here

Who on earth goes to see Channel Zero 8 times?!? Well, their biggest fan! written by Kevin Mc Mullan in: Varia

]]> Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:59:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/howie & linn/p/category/varia/p/detail/who-on-earth-goes-to-see-channel-zero-8-times-well-their-biggest-fan?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Discover young talent in a new series of Coca-Cola Sessions]]> /en/tags/p/detail/howie & linn/p/category/varia/p/category/varia/p/detail/discover-young-talent-in-a-new-series-of-coca-cola-sessions?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Thanks to Coca-Cola, AB can offer an extra platform to the abundance of (inter)national talent that is out there. The first editions went down well and so it's time to announce the following series.

First up will be Danish electro-pop chanteuse MARIA TIMM, on Friday 12 February. With her big hit ‘Dirty Place’ (view the video here)



and the now follow-up hit ‘Did You Get It’, which is already unavoidable on the radio, this promises to be a brilliant concert. As opener we present fresh talent from Brussels: TEME TAN was second at the most recent Kampioenschap van Brussel and is bursting with talent.


On Monday 5 April we present BALTHAZAR's debut. The band is currently camping in Norway to mix the album and on the Studio Brussel website you can follow their diary

 


For those who can decide fast (as it is almost sold out!) on Saturday 17 April there is also a tight DJ-set from Brussels' finest SOUND OF STEREO. See here, how they lit the fuse as the most recent edition of I Love Techno.

 

 

Furthermore, keep an eye on the Coca-Cola Sessions page as another three extra concerts will be announced in the coming weeks.

Discover young talent in a new series of Coca-Cola Sessions written by Herman Hulsens in: Varia

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]]> Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:03:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/howie & linn/p/category/varia/p/category/varia/p/detail/discover-young-talent-in-a-new-series-of-coca-cola-sessions?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Eurosonic: A Report]]> /en/tags/p/detail/sound of stereo/p/detail/eurosonic-a-report?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Aside from seeing countless performers, you can also attend a large number of readings, panels and workshops during Eurosonic in De Oosterpoort concert hall (the epicentre of this conference). It is also invariably the place to meet like-minded professionals from all over the world. We’ll spare you the details of the professional encounters but what Eurosonic presented musically this year, well you can read that here, below.

On Thursday it was first the turn of TURZI from France. Tipped to us by many a Frenchman during our recent visit to that other showcase-festival Les Transmusicales in Rennes. Their biting sound was perfectly suited to their apocalyptic, psychedelic post-rock.

Turzi - Afghanistan (Official video) from Record Makers on Vimeo.


Time to go encourage our heroes ISBELLS. Though we already had a feeling that this wouldn’t be necessary. Indeed, the hall was full to the brim before the show started and the band managed to silence the generally noisy Netherlanders. A fine foretaste for their concert during 10 Years Duyster in AB on 30 January.

NICOLAI DUNGER was in the AB last Wednesday for an ABsession and on 6 April he’ll appear on the stage of our ABClub. Hopefully he’ll have a better backing band in tow then as these musicians blew Nicolai’s finely finished songs to pieces in Groningen. Unfortunately.

But then CHAPEL CLUB from Britain knew how to charm, with an – admittedly – very British sound that lies somewhere between Editors and a pop-drenched Sonic Youth album.

After that, the legs got a serious stretching to the abstract hip-hop-meets-dubstep of the Scot Scott Douglas Gordan, or rather LOOPS HAUNT.

Saturday was well filled with meetings so it seemed appropriate to commence the evening calmly. THE GOLDEN GLOWS managed to capture a spot at Eurosonic due to their placing at the Into The Great Wide Open festival. Few found the way to Huize De Beurs so early in the evening but those present saw the pristine threesome present a fine selection of their 20’s songbook and Alan Lomax prison songs.

Then it was the turn of the fiercely tipped folk band STORNOWAY from Oxford. Extremely beautiful pop and folk along the lines of Mumford & Sons. Just beware of the excessive violins but the songs are certainly not to be got out of our heads.

ROX was proclaimed by many as the new apple on the Winehouse/Adele/Duffy tree. Although she was surrounded by an extremely impressive live band, her vocal sound wasn’t able to touch me personally. Can we slowly start speaking of ‘thirteen to a dozen’ in this matter?

Twistedfolk, that’s the title of the live tour by persistently remarkable British folk performers (including the previously mentioned Stornoway but also Tunng), a group to which BETH JEANS HOUGHTON also belongs. Not only did she receive the prize for the best hairdo but her songs (in between the unfortunately long and not always equally hilarious pauses) were thrilling at times too.


We closed Eurosonic 2010 in the company of the (in France) immensely popular British singer-songwriter CHARLIE WINSTON. The man with the crooked hat had the audience in the palm of his hand but, unfortunately, the sound-mix made an unlistenable mush of his concert. Sneu (a shame), as they say to the north of the Moerdijk.

 

Eurosonic: A Report written by Herman Hulsens in: Eurosonic 2010

]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:12:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/sound of stereo/p/detail/eurosonic-a-report?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Channel Zero will play a private concert for 300 fans with a handicap and the AB Website receives the AnySurfer label]]> /en/tags/p/detail/sound of stereo/p/category/eurosonic-2010/p/detail/channel-zero-will-play-a-private-concert-for-300-fans-with-a-handicap-and-the-ab-website-receives-the-anysurfer-label?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog ore than 300 people with a handicap will enjoy an exclusive, and free, private concert by Channel Zero in the AB in Brussels on Thursday 21 January 2010.
AB has also ensured that from now on its website is accessible for everyone, also for people with a limitation. For this, AB was recently appointed with the AnySurfer label. Read more

CHANNEL ZERO CONCERT
AB & Intro vzw (Guide for Accessible Events and Inclusive Projects) have made quite some effort to make this concert the most accessible ever:
- there’s a shuttle bus service between Brussels South station and the AB;
- we provide parking near the AB for people with a blue parking card;
- inside the AB there’s a zone in front of the stage to guarantee visibility for wheelchair users, there are sufficient suitable sanitary arrangements and you can make use of a care space;
- for the deaf and hard of hearing, we’ve thought of footstools that convert sound into vibrations, Flemish Sign Language interpreters and an inductance-loop that filters away interfering sounds for people with a hearing-aid;
- at this concert there will also be a zone at the front for those with a visual impairment. Moreover, the blind and visually impaired are welcome in the AB at 5pm in order to receive a tour of the stage, in the presence of the musicians;
- those present will be able to count on the assistance of Intro-volunteers, if desired.
There was a massive reaction to this initiative. More than 300 people with a handicap have registered and just as many friends will be accompanying them.

ANYSURFER LABEL
With this concert, the AB wants to emphasise that visitors with a handicap are more than welcome at its events too. So, not only for this concert but also all through the year. The AB has made many efforts for people with a limitation, online too: since recently, the AB-website possesses an AnySurfer label, which guarantees easy accessibility for every user.
In order to achieve this, we strictly followed the guidelines of AnySurfer, a quality assurance label accessible websites. The visually impaired, the blind, and the elderly experience problems online the most. But AnySurfer also monitors the accessibility for internet-users with motor and auditory limitations.
Besides, accessible websites are generally better suited for small screens, such as those of a mobile phone or pocket computer, and they are suitable for every kind of web browser.
Aside from the AB Website, the AB is also working hard on the accessibility of the ticketing pages for people with a functional limitation. Due to the technical complexity of this section of the site, these pages will be modified in the course of the early part of 2010, in accordance with the AnySurfer guidelines.
 
The AB and Intro vzw received support from Win for Life.

Channel Zero will play a private concert for 300 fans with a handicap and the AB Website receives the AnySurfer label written by Kevin Mc Mullan in: Varia

]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:27:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/sound of stereo/p/category/eurosonic-2010/p/detail/channel-zero-will-play-a-private-concert-for-300-fans-with-a-handicap-and-the-ab-website-receives-the-anysurfer-label?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[AB sends its sons off to Eurosonic]]> /en/tags/p/detail/sound of stereo/p/category/eurosonic-2010/p/category/varia/p/detail/ab-sends-its-sons-off-to-eurosonic?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Europe’s most important music conference and showcase festival, Eurosonic (www.eurosonic.nl), will take place in Groningen (NL) from Thursday 14 to Saturday 16 January 2010. For three days, Groningen’s inner city will be flooded by 250 new and remarkable acts, and 2650 professionals from the European music industry. During the day there are many readings and presentations to attend. Including from two of our AB colleagues. On Thursday 14 January, David Zegers (communications and development director) explains the role of the AB website and the AB community during a session about "The power of communities". Why does the AB utilise social media, how does this happen and which changes have resulted in the past year and a half (since the re-launch of the website in September 2009)? On Friday 15 January, Marc Vrebos (technical director) explains the ecological route that the AB has followed in past years. After all, the actions taken have led to substantial savings, which has made it possible to make additional investments in order to realise future ecological ambitions. All aspects of building management are covered. All information about these sessions can be found on www.eurosonic.nl/nl/conference/programma/

AB sends its sons off to Eurosonic written by Lou Boisschot in: Varia

]]> Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:02:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/sound of stereo/p/category/eurosonic-2010/p/category/varia/p/detail/ab-sends-its-sons-off-to-eurosonic?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[AB & Studio Brussel celebrate 10 years of Duyster]]> /en/tags/p/detail/sound of stereo/p/category/eurosonic-2010/p/category/varia/p/category/varia/p/detail/ab-studio-brussel-celebrate-10-years-of-duyster?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Duyster 10 year anniversary, or as the duo Ayco Duyster/ Eppo Janssen finely phrased it: '10 years full of extreme melancholy and deafening sweetness. Quiet but restless’. The AB organised a celebration 5 years ago too, then with LOW as honourable closer.

This year the bill is even more impressive, even if we do say so ourselves: folk heroes of the moment THE LOW ANTHEM, lo-fi icon LOU BARLOW (Duyster favourite with their previous Sebadoh and Folk Implosion), promising Belgians ISBELLS (their ‘As Long As It Takes’ is already a hit), rising new British talent FANFARLO, and DE PORTABLES - who are more than at home on Duyster - who have just released their new album ‘John Terra’ and have also reworked a number of Duyster classics especially for this concert.

Furthermore, in the month January you can visit the ABrestaurant for an exhibition containing the Duyster team’s 30 favourite album covers. Would you like to marvel at the fine artwork of Iron & Wine, Fleet Foxes, Explosions In The Sky of Band or Horses in genuine vinyl format, then head down to the ABrestaurant.

We’d also like to advise arriving at the AB on time for the concerts on 30 January, as we’ll be starting promptly at 5:00 pm.

Agora
4:30 pm Duyster DJ’s

Main Hall
4:30 pm doors
5:00 pm Brown Bird
6:00 pm Isbells
7:15 pm Lou Barlow
9:15 pm The Low Anthem
 
Club (limited capacity of 250 places – so full = full)
8:25 pm Fanfarlo
10:30 pm de Portables

AB & Studio Brussel celebrate 10 years of Duyster written by Herman Hulsens in: Varia

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]]> Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:00:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/sound of stereo/p/category/eurosonic-2010/p/category/varia/p/category/varia/p/detail/ab-studio-brussel-celebrate-10-years-of-duyster?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Concert-year Overview]]> /en/tags/p/detail/brown bird/p/detail/concert-year-overview?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Only a few days to go until we round up concert year 2009.  Time for a brief look back: below you will find the end-of-year concert rankings by the AB colleagues, not necessarily in order of importance.

 We'll see you again next year, for what is already looking like a fantastic year of concerts!

Vous trouverez des listes de concerts de l'équipe de l'AB, pas nécessairement par orde d'importance.
A l'année prochaine pour, maintenant déjà, une merveilleuse période de concerts!

 

Katrien Molenberghs
The Golden Glows plays 'prison songs' - AB
Grace Jones - AB
 Norah Jones - AB
Rodrigo Y Gabriela - ABtv
The Low Anthem - AB
Isbells - AB

Eric Meersmans
Grace Jones(AB)
Arno (Theater aan Zee Oostende)
Daniel Lanois (AB)
Maxwell (AB)
Buraka Son Systema (Depot)
Arctic Monkeys (Pukkelpop)

 

Peter Deckers
Nick Cave, Werchter
Grace Jones, AB en Werchter
AC/DC, Sportpaleis
Daniël lanois, AB
Arctic Monkeys, Pukkelpop
Sonic Youth, AB
Rodrigo Y Gabriela, AB
Kyteman's hip hop Orchestra, De Singel
Spinvis solo, Club
Dan Auerbach, Pete Molinari, AB
The Golden Glows 'prison songs', AB

 

An Van den Broeck
Marcus Miller
Arsenal
Moby
Kathleen Vandenhoudt
El Tattoo Del Tigre

 

Kurt Overbergh

My Bloody Valentine: Primavera (Barcelona)
Neil Young: Primavera (Barcelona)
Magnetic Man feat. Skream + Benga + Artwork: Oya (Oslo)
Golden Glows: huiskamerconcert + Filmhuis Klappei + Sint Felixpakhuis (allen A'pen), Feeërieën (Bxl), AB ('Prison Songs' in het kader van het fantastische Alan Lomax project!)
Hudson Mohawke: Domino (AB), Oya (Oslo), Pukkelpop
Nico Muhly, Valgeir Sigurdson, Ben Frost, Sam Amidon (AB)
Lais/Lenski: Zuiderpershuis (A'pen)
Hauschka: Feeërieën
Naomi Shelton (AB)
Facing East: the music of John Coltrane feat. José James & Jef Neve (AB)
Nick Cave (Rock Werchter)

 

Kevin McMullan
Dan Auerbach + Pete Molinari - AB
ACDC - Sportpaleis
Lyle Lovett - AB
Ray Lamontagne - Cirque Royal
Ry Cooder/Nick Lowe - Elisabethzaal
The Low Anthem - AB
Soulsavers feat. Mark Lanegan - Vooruit
Paolo Nutini - Pukkelpop
Norah Jones - AB
Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens - AB

Marc Decock
Grace Jones, AB
Rodrigo y Gabriela, AB
Fredo Viola, ABClub
Spinvis solo, AB & ABClub
Titi Robin ABTheater
Q-Tip, AB
Daniel Lanois: Black Dub, AB
Lyle Lovett, ABFlex
Anthony Joseph, ABBox
Branford Marsalis, ABTheater
Norah Jones, AB club
Joe Bonamassa, AB zaal
Staff Benda Bilili, Botanique
Marcus Miller: Tutu Revisited, AB flex
Qing Mei Wei Hui, Bozar


Tom Janssen
Grace Jones AB
Sonic Youth AB
Confuse The Cat MOD
Ozark Henry Lokerse Feesten
Rammstein Sportpaleis
Eagles Of Death Metal VK
Johnny Berlin Nijdrop
Lyle Lovett AB
Venetian Snares & Squarepusher, AB
The Irrespressibles Feeërieën

Gert Vertommen
Sunn O))) - Predikherenkerk Leuven
Health - Pukkelpop
Daniel Lanois - AB
AmenRa - AB Club
Grace Jones – Werchter

Tom Lezaire
Madensuyu - Les Ardentes
Madensuyu - TAZ
Madensuyu - Dour
Madensuyu - Pukkelpop
Dÿse - Belvedère Namur


David Zegers
Grace Jones (AB)
Pixies (Vorst)
William Fitzsimmons (Feeerieen)
Drums are for Parades (AB)
Oasis (Vorst)
Muse (Sportpaleis)
Flaming Lips  (AB)
Norah Jones (AB club én ABtv via De Standaard)

Tim Van Riel
Grace Jones - AB
Black Dub - AB
Neil Young - Primavera, Barcelona
Dan Deacon - Primavera, Barcelona
Fever Ray - Pukkelpop
AC/DC - Sportpaleis
Madonna - Werchter
Orbital - Lokerse Feesten
Buraka Som Sistema - Pukkelpop
Spinvis Solo – AB

Mich Leemans
Spinvis solo (AB)
Grace Jones (AB)
A Place To Bury Strangers (AB)
Squarepusher (AB)
Sunn O))) (Leuven)
Zombie Zombie (Maison des Peuples)
Dan Deacon (Botanique)
Jaga Jazzist (Oya Festival)
Health (Pukkelpop)
Kraftwerk (Pukkelpop)
Burnt Friedman & Jaki Liebezeit (Nijdrop)
Madensuyu (elke keer)
Jacaszek (AB / Feeërieën).
Daniel Lanois (AB)
Sonic Youth (AB)
Tortoise (Stadsschouwbureg Kortrijk)
Beak (AB)

Herman Hulsens
Dan Auerbach (AB)
Soap & Skin (Eurosonic, Groningen)
Bat For Lashes (AB)
A Day To Remember (AB)
The Sedan Vault (Eurosonic, Groningen)
Modeselector (Pukkelpop, Hasselt)
The Low Anthem (SXSW, Austin, Texas)
Tinariwen (AB)
P.O.S. (SXSW, Austin, Texas)
Triggerfinger (AB)
The Golden Glows 'prison songs' (AB)
The Hickey Underworld (AB)
The Veils + Richard Swift (AB)
Gallows (AB)
Isbells (AB)
Buraka Som Sistema (Eurosonic, Groningen)
Faith No More (Pukkelpop, Hasselt)
Esser (SXSW, Austin, Texas)
Lykke Li (Into The Great Wide Open, Vlieland)
'America Over The Water' by Shirley Collins (AB)
Frank Turner (AB)
Emilie Simon (AB)
AC/DC (Sportpaleis, Antwerpen)
Beak (Transmusicales, Rennes)

 

Joeri Gelaude
Sunn O))) - Prekikherenkerk Leuven
Dan Auerbach - Ancienne Belgique
Tortoise - 't Stuk
José James & Jef Neve - Ancienne Belgique
Motorpsycho - Botanique
William Fitzsimmons (support Sophia) - Ancienne Belgique
Patrick watson & Wooden Arms - Het Depot
Johann Johannson(Late Night Show) - 't Stuk
Squarepusher- Ancienne Belgique
deus (2e concert) – Pukkelpop


Joke Daniëls
Sunn O))) - Predikherenkerk Leuven
AmenRa - AB Club
Grace Jones - AB
The Low Anthem - AB Club
The Golden Glows - online : )
Venetian Snares - in interview met KO
Chatham County Line - MIM
Mono - AB
Hauschka - Feekes
Thought Forms - AB club support Beak


Isabelle Decallone
Alex Roeka- Broodje Brussel-Music Village
Tom Vanstiphout-  Broodje Brussel-Music Village
Blaute Melaerts- Broodje Brussel-Music Village
Wigbert+ Kommil Foo op Boterhammen
Yasmine houdt woord- Première AB Club
Lady Linn- AB-Flex
Lyle Lovett- AB-Flex
Neeka- AB Club
Buurman- AB Club
Daniel Lanois+Trixy- AB
Kamp Maria- Finale Nekka
Kathleen Vandenhoudt in Kleinkunsteiland met 'Ring Ring'
Chatam County Line in MIM en op Feekes
Golden Glows op Feekes

 

Geert Struyve
Wolves in the Throne Room  ( underground - Köln)
Stephen O'Malley/ Oren Ambarchi/ Massimo Pupillo ( kreun - Kortrijk)
Jesus Lizard ( Vilette Sonique Festival - Paris)
Amen Ra ( stuc - Leuven)
Sunn o ))) ( Predikheren kerk - Leuven)
Lisa Gerard ( Ancienne Belgique - Bruxelles)

 

Marc Vrebos
Triggerfinger (& Selah Sue) AB
Seasick Steve AB
Grace Jones AB
PJ Harvey & John Parish  AB
Daniel Lanois (& Trixie Whitley ) Black Dub AB
Shahkilid (A Sublime Frequencies Labelnight) AB
The Golden Glows  AB
Dez Mona AB
Sonic Youth “Cross the Breeze AB
Flat Earth Society  AB

 

Jan De Keyzer
Triggerfinger AB
Grace Jones AB
Daniel Lanois AB
Dez Mona AB
Holy Fuck AB

 

 

 

Concert-year Overview written by Peter Deckers in: Varia

]]> Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:30:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/brown bird/p/detail/concert-year-overview?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Channel Zero: a unique concert series and much more!]]> /en/tags/p/detail/brown bird/p/category/varia/p/detail/channel-zero-a-unique-concert-series-and-much-more?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Channel Zero is back with a bang! Never before has a band sold out the main hall of the AB 6x in a row, at least 12,000 people will experience the comeback of Belgium's best metal band. 20 Years after their establishment and with 5 albums to choose from, singer Franky DSVD, drumming force Phil B and bassist Tino De Martino shall surely shake the AB to its foundations. Original guitarist Xavier Carion won't be taking part, due to a traumatized ear, but will be replaced by impressive international Mike Doling (ex-Soulfly).

In order to make this reunion even more memorable, Channel Zero and AB will be launching three initiatives:

CHANNEL ZERO PLAYS FOR PEOPLE WITH A HANDICAP IN COLLABORATION WITH INTRO AND WIN FOR LIFE
On the day prior to the official comeback Channel Zero will play a very unique concert. Namely, on that Thursday 21 January the band will perform especially for people with a handicap. The AB, intro (Guide for Accessible Events and Inclusive Projects) and Win For Life get together and make quite some effort to also offer people with a limitation the opportunity to experience this metal excellence live. The concert hall will be divided into two parts (a part for the “standing” concert-goers and a part for the wheelchair users and those less mobile), footstools that convert sound into vibrations will be placed for those with an auditive handicap, the blind and visually impaired will be able to touch the instruments on stage, there will be Flemish sign-language translators present, there will be a special service space available, there will be appropriate communication for people with a intellectual limitation and everyone will be able to reach the AB via a special bus service.

Equal opportunities for everyone and the broadest possible public participation are ideals that Win For Life has always placed importance upon. So it was only logical to take part a project in which those ideals are realized so concretely. The much esteemed assistance of intro, with their years of expertise in the organisation of similar events, was requested for the organisational aspects. Channel Zero is fiercely enthusiastic and together with the three organising partners we're already priding ourself on possibly organising the most accessible concert ever. All practical info about how to register can be found on the intro website.

CHANNEL ZERO SEARCHES FOR THEIR BIGGEST FAN
Channel Zero still has an extremely fanatic fan-base but who is their very biggest fan? Fans will be able to fight for the title by answering a questionnaire about their favourite band via a competition on the AB site. But it's not only the title that you're playing for: the winner will be able to meet the members of the band, be able to experience a completely personal private concert by the band and also go to all 6 concerts in AB with a friend too. In order to recover from all this and from the free Stella’s that the winner will receive, on the night of each concert there will also be a room available in a luxury hotel in Brussels. Basically: a big wet Channel Zero dream that will keep every fan from their sleep.

CHANNEL ZERO IS LOOKING FOR 2 SUPPORT ACTS
6 concerts in AB also means 6 opportunities to have an up-and-coming band perform for a full AB hall, as support act. Channel Zero and AB will be filling 4 of the 6 spots themselves, but will also be searching for budding new metal talent. Because Channel Zero is a true Belgian band, with members from both parts of the country, the search will take place through Classic 21 and Studio Brussel. How exactly everything will organised shall be communicated at a later date, but you can already be sure to keep an ear on both broadcasters!

Channel Zero: a unique concert series and much more! written by Kevin Mc Mullan in: Varia

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]]> Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:50:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/brown bird/p/category/varia/p/detail/channel-zero-a-unique-concert-series-and-much-more?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Up-and-coming talent and Southern temperament]]> /en/tags/p/detail/channel zero/p/detail/up-and-coming-talent-and-southern-temperament?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog On 1 November the AB celebrated the birth of the Coca Cola Sessions, a project to promote rising musical talent in collaboration with – yes, you guessed it. Our fellow countrymen Waldorf and Customs were first cabs off the rank in a 10 part concert series.

Waldorf, the band based around singer/guitarist Wolfgang Vanwymeersch, got into things with not so evident, yet exciting, guitar power. I particularly liked the drive with which the band members got into their music and let themselves go, with their instruments. Such exertion is not only enjoyable to watch, it also produces dynamic photos.




Then the guys from Customs bore completely different behaviour on the stage of the sold out AB-Club. Their performance was, just like their music and outfits, tight and clean. Even though they had every reason to celebrate effusively, as their new single ‘Justine’ had conquered first position in the ‘Hot List’ just a few hours before. No, the guys from Customs don't appear to be revelers and you could hardly accuse them of merriment, but they did celebrate their growing success in style and for an enthusiastic audience.



On 3 November The Big Pink were once again guarantors of a sold-out AB-Club. I'd heard nothing but praise for singer/guitarist Robbie Furze's vocal abilities, from various people,  but if those abilities were there then they were rather neatly bricked up behind a wall of sound. What's more, the band had minimal lighting and was safely embanked in a cocoon of smoke. Disastrous for photos and a shame for those who wanted to catch a glimpse of the cool Asian lady-drummer in the background. Interaction with the audience was then also inversely proportional to the number of decibels and the amount of smoke. Furze was only to be heard when he requested that the one sober spotlight occasionally throwing light upon him be turned off, what immediately meant the end of my futile attempts to take a top-shot.


In a review, I read a reference to ‘shoegazing’ and I can certainly identify with that. Characteristic for this genre is that the musicians stand and stare at their shoes, immobile, while producing particularly high decibels. I don't really have a problem with that, per se, but if I'm forced to stare at my own shoes, due to a lack of musical stimulation, then I object.  Even if it were only because I am then confronted with the fact that my shoes urgently need a clean! To their credit, the rest of the audience apparently wasn't bothered by that.




Fortunately, I was already blown out of my shoes earlier in the evening. The surprise even originated from Belgian soil, although you wouldn't think so from the band name. The Germans could be heard loud and clear with their short but powerful set. Their name may well call up images of battalions of regimented German soldiers but bearing a (musical) harness is clearly not applicable to this band. As photographer, there's no need to expect a light show full of cheery colours with this experimental noise- and krautrock. A yellowy brown mire of smoke and light suits the theme better and that's what I had to make do with.



After that experimental guitar and electronica power, I anointed my ears with Spanish songstress Luz Casal. You can save yourself an evening of heating costs at the same time when you offer this charming lady a stage, as her brilliant voice and taking personality are so warmly received by the audience that the room temperature quickly rises to tropical heights. The only cooling was provided by the cold-chills that regularly ran down our spines. Luz Casal's repertoire contains many demure songs but she swings right at you sometimes too. At the end of the concert, the fifty-one-year-old even surprised us with a portion of headbanging but unfortunately I couldn't capture that in a photo.

 

 

 

Up-and-coming talent and Southern temperament written by Julie Haelemeersch in: AB Huisfotograaf

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]]> Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/channel zero/p/detail/up-and-coming-talent-and-southern-temperament?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Oor and NME Charts]]> /en/tags/p/detail/luz casal/p/detail/oor-and-nme-charts?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Oor and NME recently chose the best 10 albums since the 00's. The likes of The Strokes, Antony & The Johnsons, Interpol and The Streets adorn a richly filled Top 10. But how did the AB do?
Time (usually) tells. But still, when its 'chart time' we like to double-check. Definitely when it covers a period of 10 years. Because hypes of the moment can already implode only a year later. Does anyone still remember Plain White T’s or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah? So see, it's not looking so bad after all …


For the first time in Belgium and straight onto the stage of the AB.
Both Oor and NME placed ‘Is This It’ by The Strokes at Number 1. And see: The Strokes played a solid set in the AB, for a full house, not long after the release (February ‘02). Antony & The Johnsons delivered one of the most beautiful albums of the past decade in ‘I am a Bird Now’. He also played solo for the first time in Belgium, in the ABClub as support act to CocoRosie (November 2004). His classic wasn't yet released at the time. In November ’05 he was back in AB again for a sold-out Flex.

Another topper: the addictive ‘Come on feel the Illinoise’ by Sufjan Stevens is still indestructible. Sufjan first appeared in the ABClub (October ’04) and later for a sold-out ABBox (October ’05). By the way, Sufjan, isn't it about high time to drop by AB again?

Interpol (in the NME chart with ‘Turn On The Bright Lights) also played for the first time in Belgium in the ABClub (October ’02) and topped it off with a hat-trick by later playing to a sold-out ABBox (April ’03, then still with Dead Man Ray) and then for a completely full house in December ’04.

Finally, The Streets (in the chart with ‘Original Pirate Material’) also performed for the first time in Belgium in a sold-out ABBox (November ’02).

What unfortunately never reached the stage of the AB…
‘Whatever People Say, I am, That’s What I’m Not’ by Arctic Monkeys and also ‘Funeral’ by Arcade Fire adorn high places in both charts, but unfortunately - three times 'oh'- never reached the stage of the AB. But Final Fantasy (aka Owen Pallett), who can be heard on ‘Funeral’ and did most of the string arrangements too, did make it. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs (included in the chart with ‘Fever To Tell’) never reached the stage of the AB either, despite several attempts.

Even more top-class acts…
Radiohead (in the Oor chart with ‘Kid A’ and the NME chart with ‘In Rainbows’) played the AB in December ’95 (in ‘The Bends’ days), or rather in the former Luna Theatre (the current Kaai Theatre) while AB was programming gadabout.

Queens Of The Stone Age (‘Songs For The Deaf’) played AB in November ‘02 with their mates Millionaire as support act. We saw Josh Homme return again to the ABClub later as drummer to The Eagles Of Death Metal.

Franz Ferdinand (with the album of the same name) just played here earlier this year (March ’09).

Spinvis concludes the Oor chart with his fantastic debut and has meanwhile become something of an In-house performer to AB (in any case, we see that the man has certainly already had a handful of successful concerts in AB).

Rounding off the NME chart: PJ Harvey (with ‘Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea’) who only concerted twice in the AB: February ’01 and also May ’09 with her guitarist John Parish - who, in turn, has lined up in AB many times already (and will be present again later this year, as special guest to Zita Swoon).

Finally, Primal Scream played in the AB for the first time in January ’92, then again in ’94 and unfortunately not in September ’08, due to a cancelled show.

Dubious live-performances…
In the category of dubious live-performances… Amy Winehouse (in the chart with ‘Back To Black’) appeared on the AB-stage in October ’07, though it was unfortunately without The Dapkings (who played the greater part of ‘Back To Black’ and who even lined up twice in AB with Sharon Jones)… Another dubious live-act: The Libertines (at number two in NME with ‘Up The Bracket’) who never performed in AB, but Pete Doherty did play here in February ’08 with his Babyshambles (and afterwards also briefly, acoustically, in front of the door on the Anspachlaan).

Yeah, the year end approaches again, we haven't even made our charts for 2009 and our chart for the 00's is still on our to-do list. We urgently need to contact Paul Baeten Gronda…

Oor and NME Charts written by Kurt Overbergh in: Varia

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]]> Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:52:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/luz casal/p/detail/oor-and-nme-charts?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[AB website is still earning prizes]]> /en/tags/p/detail/babyshambles/p/detail/ab-website-is-still-earning-prizes?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog The new AB website is still earning prizes, more than a year after its launch. Following 2 CMS awards and The Jury Prize of the Site van het Jaar 2008 elections, this week we also received the Usability Award in the category 'most user-friendly corporate or commercial website'.


We're pretty proud of the results achieved by the site too: the number of unique visitors/day has increased by at least 45% (from 4,185 to 5,955), visitors also stay on the website longer and there are more page-shows (indicating 'discovery'), and the natural integration with major network sites like Facebook and Twitter clearly delivers results, if we can go by the increase in visitors generated via these sites. Also, last but not least: the number of unique viewers of ABtv films has increased from 25,000 to 750,000 (!). 20% of the viewers watches streamed concerts live, 80% does that on-demand.

Absolute headliners in the LIVE stream are Moby (5,400 unique LIVE viewers online) and Arsenal (4,900 unique liver viewers) followed by Bloc Party (2,000). Absolute headliner in the ARCHIVE is Triggerfinger, who have already been viewed more than 31, 000 times. El Tattoo Del Tigre and Sarah Bettens are also extremely popular, just as Bart Peeters and Moby. More than 65 ABsessions have been recorded in one year, from the likes of Skunk Anansie, Lady Linn, Milow and Spinvis.

All this also means that the website (in combination with our newsletter) has become, more than ever, the AB's most important channel of information and also sales. 70% of tickets are purchased online. As such, AB has developed into a medium (see too AB In-house Photographer, ABradio, ABtv, …) that increasingly serves as promotional platform for the more than 500 performers who are presented here yearly.

More numbers can be found in the presentation below:

AB website is still earning prizes written by Jotie Boone in: Varia

]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:16:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/babyshambles/p/detail/ab-website-is-still-earning-prizes?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[October review]]> /en/tags/p/detail/babyshambles/p/category/varia/p/detail/october-review?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog The first concert I attended, was that of Sunn O))). Admittedly, I wasn't really there of my own accord. Rather, my curiosity get the better of me due to the conviction of a number of die-hard AB-ers. They were full of the fact that you really had to have 'experienced' this band live. “No problem”, I thought, “with my tailor-made earplugs I'll be able to survive an aural attack”, to which the immediate reply was that I should be more worried about my intestines ... Thus wide-eyed and nervous I took my position in the front row and hoped that the concert wouldn't turn out to be a more acute version of 'active bifidus'...

The vexingly loud and low guitar drones that Sunn O))) let loose upon the audience were indeed a physical assault. I was literally gasping for air during the first song, but fortunately that claustrophobic feeling gradually ebbed away. I also got what people had predicted in a photographic sense too: apparitions cloaked in monks habits and a thick mass of smoke. I'm not that keen on misty photos, and was even less keen on the concert, but it was an interesting experience and my digestive system is still working!

The following day was also themed by experimentation and noise but then served up by Sonic Youth.  No longer so youthful but, as such, a well-established alternative rock name. The band has a cast-iron live reputation and so was I hoping that this concert would result in a number of spectacular rock photos. Whether playing a series of hits or only drawing on their more recent work, they always know how to put down a sturdy sound. Their performance didn't exude the hoped-for power that I look for in my concert photos though.


A week later, I decided to let myself be surprised by Shantel & Bucovina Club Orkestar's cross-over Balkan music. No sound explosions this time, but certainly a band that lights the fuse and knows how to get a whole hall dancing in no time. Basically: Fireworks! An expressive frontman, energetic musicians, nice colourful lighting and an  exuberant audience… all the necessary ingredients for a successful concert and likewise photos.


The next day I was to be found in the AB once again, this time for the White Lies concert.



However, fatigue had set in and so this was only a whirlwind visit. When averaging two to three concerts per week, sometimes the call of a good night's rest is louder than that of musical entertainment. I polished my lens after photographing three songs, and apparently I wasn't the only one with the same idea. My ‘mentor’ Alex Vanhee also caught the train to Ghent and so we filled each other's otherwise boring train trip with an enjoyable chat about photography, music and film.


An evening of editing photos and a refreshing night's rest later, I skipped the ‘trick or treat’-ing  and chose to fill my Halloween evening musically under the wings of Bat For Lashes. Frontwoman Natasha Khan and her musicians wound the audience around their little finger without any effort at all. With few tricks, they provided the sold-out AB with ‘a big treat’. The thirty-year-old singer possesses quite a few useful attributes: a fantastic voice, an attractive personality and the disarmingly natural presence with which she appears on stage. Moreover, she is assisted live by brilliant musicians, of which lady-drummer Sarah Jones makes an especially imposing impression.




I've not yet decided what to ask for for Christmas. A full-frame camera with a 70-200mm and 24-70mm lens, so that I can even better immortalise such musical highlights. Or the complete Bat For Lashes discography.
Something makes me suspect that I've got more chance of success with the second option…

October review written by Julie Haelemeersch in: AB Huisfotograaf

]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:56:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/babyshambles/p/category/varia/p/detail/october-review?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Coca-Cola Sessions up and running.]]> /en/tags/p/detail/babyshambles/p/category/varia/p/category/ab-huisfotograaf/p/detail/coca-cola-sessions-up-and-running?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog The first Coca-Cola Session was sold-out too. Obviously a fine platform for all that talent out there.

Waldorf were on stage first and presented mostly material from their new CD ‘Twelve Seconds To None’ (already one of the albums of the moment for StuBru’s Select). They were songs with more depth, which demanded more concentration from the audience. But when they returned to the work on their untitled debut from 2005, singer/guitarist/songsmith Wolf Vanwymeersch's enormous craftsmanship was apparent yet again (yup, he's also a member of The Van Jets, who have just put the finishing touches on their new album).

Those 4 sombre guys from Customs are dressed for success and also successful musically. Their music is bursting with references to the post-wave scene of the mid-80's (Echo & The Bunnymen) but you can also hear today's new-school (Editors). But don't let that spoil the fun too much as the audience got their money's worth and clearly very much enjoyed this very impressive concert.


© Ellen Ongena



The next editions already appear on the horizon. On Thursday 19 November Team William and De Staat (The Netherlands) will be on stage. On Monday 7 December it will be the turn of 2 promising acts from the other side of the language border: Lucy Lucy! and Bikinians.

Coca-Cola Sessions up and running. written by Herman Hulsens in: Varia

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]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:44:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/babyshambles/p/category/varia/p/category/ab-huisfotograaf/p/detail/coca-cola-sessions-up-and-running?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Relive our Alan Lomax tribute]]> /en/tags/p/detail/bikinians/p/detail/relive-our-alan-lomax-tribute?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Those who weren't there where wrong. Yet there is hope for those who weren't able to attend our fine Alan Lomax tribute. There are various ways to still be able to experience this event after all:

Report and concerts on ABTV: As of today, you can visit ABTV for the Roland concert in which he doesn't hide his special liking for blues legend Lead Belly. Aside from that you can also enjoy a number of moments from the The Golden Glows' prison-song repertoire.


During the concert series dedicated to Alan Lomax you could also obtain all sorts of books, CDs and DVDs by Alan Lomax or related souls. You will still be able to purchase these until the end of the year, but then in record shop Electrocution, a close neighbour of the AB. Only one address: Steenstraat 37, 1000 Brussels. Open Monday to Saturday from 11am until 6pm. You'll be sure to find a fine Christmas present.

Alan Lomax traveled through Italy together with his Italian colleague Diego Carpitella from the summer of 1954 until January 1955. Last year a fantastic photo book covering this journey was published, ‘L'anno Più Felice Della Mia Vita’ (The Happiest Year of My Life) by Goffredo Plastino. The Ancienne Belgique presented a photo-exhibition based upon this book in the Musical Instrument Museum. A powerful selection from this exhibition can be viewed during the month of November in the Abrestaurant. It gives an insight into the life's work of the late Alan Lomax.

Relive our Alan Lomax tribute written by Herman Hulsens in: Alan Lomax

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]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:07:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/bikinians/p/detail/relive-our-alan-lomax-tribute?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[BEDROOM COMMUNITY, soon in AB, wins our hearts]]> /en/tags/p/detail/alan lomax/p/detail/bedroom-community-soon-in-ab-wins-our-hearts?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog In 2007, for the first time in Europe, the AB brought Iceland’s Bedroom Community collective to Belgium (for Domino) and The Netherlands (for Motel Mozaique). The result: the revelation of a charming, musically like-minded – but, individually, considerably differing – family that crosses borders both territorially as well as musically. We now see AB & Bedroom Community’s musical passion being picked up worldwide…

NICO MUHLY: DISCOVERY OF THE YEAR
Pianist NICO MUHLY – see too: his arrangements for the latest Anthony album – bagged a 'Discovery Of The Year' award during the World Soundtrack Awards presented during the 36th Ghent Film Festival. A.R. Rahman (composer of the soundtrack to Slumdog Millionaire) was also recognized...
 
BEN FROST - ‘By The Throat’:  amazing album
We just recently received a promo-copy of the second BEN FROST album for Bedroom Community. Suddenly we found ourselves noting the following, in an email to a colleague friend: “Downright brilliant second album by Ben Frost on Iceland’s Bedroom Community label and immediately one of the albums of this year. ‘By The Throat’ is a real piece of art. Purified, threatening, cinemascopic pieces of music that literally grab your shirt-front. Majestic beauty with barbs of stubbornness and fear.” We’ve not yet gotten over it …

2010 looks like becoming a musically impressive year …
Via, via, we’ve already been able to take a sneak peek at the scheduled releases that 2010 has in store for us. New signing is composer, DANIEL BJARNASSON. New albums are to be released by our favourite troubadour SAM AMIDON (in February), VALGEIR SIGURDSON (with his soundtrack for ‘Dreamland’) and NICO MUHLY (in September 2010) .

BEDROOM COMMUNITY? Basically a collective after our own heart!

BEDROOM COMMUNITY, soon in AB, wins our hearts written by Kurt Overbergh in: Varia

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]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:39:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/alan lomax/p/detail/bedroom-community-soon-in-ab-wins-our-hearts?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Nostalgic concert-week ]]> /en/tags/p/detail/sam amidon/p/detail/nostalgic-concert-week?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog It began on Monday already, with the fusion of klezmer, world, folk and dance known as Oi Va Voi. I discovered this band – then still with violinist Sophie Solomon and guest singer KT Tunstall - in 2004 in the Botanique in Brussels. They played a downright smashing concert but later, still savouring the mood as we returned to the car, we were confronted with a different shattering reality: that of our car window, looted boot and at least three police stations that cheerfully stated that this crime didn’t take place within their area of jurisdiction… So there are a number of reasons why that Oi Va Voi concert occupies a special place in my memory.
These days Anna Phoebe provides the violin action and as a photographer you won’t hear me complaining. As, if the light cooperates a little, there are spectacular photos to be made of this flamboyant lady. You can’t accuse new black singer Bridgette Amofah of a lack of enthusiasm either, even though - due to a lack of light - I haven’t completely succeeded in immortalizing Oi Va Voi’s usual explosiveness on film.


The support act for Oi Va Voi was provided by Belgian band Amatorski. They still need to grow a little on stage but they’re versatile and already made a promising impression.


Chris Chameleon, frontman of former South African band Boo!, appeared in the ABClub on Thursday. Boo! had already collected a whole heap of Belgian fans as support act to Zita Swoon but only a few of them have also found their way to Chris’s solo project. After all, following the split of Boo!, he swapped his hot-pants, exuberant behaviour and bass guitar for a tailored suit, intimate mood and an acoustic guitar. In his new role as singer-songwriter, he allows himself to be inspired by South African poetry and that certainly doesn’t have to be boring. Admittedly, as photographer, I resolutely prefer the hot-pants and exuberant behaviour but even solo Chris still does the craziest things with his voice and he appears to be a born entertainer. Either you love him, or you think he’s completely bonkers. I love him, because I think being bonkers is a good thing… Chris also performed a few old Boo! songs on his bass guitar and announced the happy news that there are plans for a Boo! reunion. With or without hot-pants, we’ll have to wait and see, but we’re not going to make a fuss about that!



Finally, I was really looking forward to the concert by The Cult, who would perform my favourite album ‘Love’ in its entirety, in a practically sold-out AB. I really wanted to take photos too, of course, but that was before taking the tour manager into account. Resentful as I am, I’d resolved that the band would have to do an extremely good job to win me back again. I would have happily made matchsticks of them (quite handy in these fresh temperatures by the way), but the gnarly old rockers from The Cult don’t let themselves be cut down to size so easily. The musicians where in top form and, although Ian Astbury’s voice sometimes sounded as if he had roasted an animal over an open fire (the tail was still hanging on his trousers!), my kindling quickly disappeared into the fire of their AB-concert.

 

 

Nostalgic concert-week written by Julie Haelemeersch in: AB Huisfotograaf

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]]> Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:33:00 +0100 /en/tags/p/detail/sam amidon/p/detail/nostalgic-concert-week?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Thom & Mauro from Forro In L.A.! ]]> /en/tags/p/detail/chris chameleon/p/detail/thom-mauro-from-forro-in-l-a?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Thom Yorke is the singer of Radiohead. But he ' s also the high-spirited leader of a new 'supergroup'. And Mauro from Forro In The Dark is part of it too!

Not exactly world news, but still extremely interesting: at the start of this month the Radiohead frontman gave a number of concerts in L.A. Not with his regular british friends, but rather with Flea (best known from Red Hot Chili Peppers), Nigel Godrich (Radiohead producer amongst other things), and even two percussionists: Joey Waronker (the likes of R.E.M.) and Mauro Refosco (mainly from Forro In The Dark!) This occasional supergroup (?) presented mainly funky versions of Thom's solo escapades plus new material. Something which might well be world news: on the links and according to the reports, the concerts were extremely intense and the generally not so lively Thom Yorke even broke into dance. You?re sure to do the same when Mauro Refosco comes to the ABClub with his Forro In The Dark, on Wednesday 4 November. They will then be playing after exquisite pianist Roberto Fonseca. It?s known as a 'late night concert' and that still means that those who have a ticket for Fonseca in the hall can go see Forro for free in the club afterwards! Tell the world!

Thom & Mauro from Forro In L.A.! written by Marc Decock in: Varia

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]]> Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:20:00 +0200 /en/tags/p/detail/chris chameleon/p/detail/thom-mauro-from-forro-in-l-a?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[New concert pics...]]> /en/tags/p/detail/forro in the dark/p/detail/new-concert-pics?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog  

Starsailor

 

Emiliana Torrini

 

Lay Low

 

Ojos de Brujo

New concert pics... written by Peter Deckers in: Varia

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]]> Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:53:00 +0200 /en/tags/p/detail/forro in the dark/p/detail/new-concert-pics?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Party time in style with Raphael Saadiq!]]> /en/tags/p/detail/emiliana torrini/p/detail/party-time-in-style-with-raphael-saadiq?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog On Sunday evening 18 October superb soul brother Raphael Saadiq will finally arrive in the country (on this tour he’ll also be visiting our ‘sister’ halls in Amsterdam (Paradiso), Copenhagen (Vega) and London (Shepherd’s Bush Empire). At Raphael Saadiq’s request, there will also be a fantastic DJ as extra support act in the hall: the unrivalled DJ LEFTO! www.lefto.be www.stubru.be. (With before and after also the ever unsurpassable DJ Fredje, in the Agora!) RAPHAEL SAADIQ is a classic! An instant neo-soulful funky classic. You’ll sing along to 'Love That Girl' and will hear respect for The Temptations, Al Green, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight & The Pips... Raphael Saadiq is that American singer, bassist, drummer, and guitarist who early on toured with Prince’s Parade-tour and first scored for himself with TONY! TONI! TONE! Later there was LUCY PEARL, still to be heard here with that fresh 'Don't Mess With My Man'. There are now three CDs bearing his name, more specifically his recent, exquisite The Way It Is (on SonyBMG). The man is immensely appreciated as producer too, see: powerful work for Macy Gray, Joss Stone, Snoop Dogg, John Legend, TLC, Q-Tip... Moreover, Raphael Saadiq also has an impressive live reputation, and is clearly addicted to the groovy 60’s and 70’s sound of Motown, Stax and other grandmasters. There are not many better, realer, hotter and stauncher performers than the tight band surrounding Raphael Saadiq!

Party time in style with Raphael Saadiq! written by Marc Decock in: Varia

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]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:42:00 +0200 /en/tags/p/detail/emiliana torrini/p/detail/party-time-in-style-with-raphael-saadiq?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[New on www.abconcerts.be]]> /en/tags/p/detail/raphael saadiq/p/detail/new-on-www-abconcerts-be?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog AB has developed a new function on its website. As of today, for a number of sold-out concerts, you can register online for the waiting-list.

For almost every sold-out concert there are a number of tickets that haven't been paid for or that are reserved for the performer, record company, sponsor or for other purposes. So, if a particular concert bears the ‘sold-out’ sign, you don't have to despair straight away. It occurs regularly that tickets become re-available, because not everyone pays for their tickets on time or because people/organisations don't take up their 'blocked' tickets. From now on, these tickets will be offered to those who have registered themselves on the waiting-list. For the waiting-list you have to log in and leave your telephone number and the desired number of tickets on the concert page. The ticket-shop will call or mail the people registered, in chronological order, the moment that tickets become available. Please note that leaving your name on the waiting-list doesn't  guarantee you will get tickets.
 
Not every concert has a waiting-list. If you don't see the waiting-list function for a particular concert, then that means that the queue (waiting-list) function has already been closed or that there are insufficient tickets available for release. In that case you can still always try to obtain tickets via the ticket-exchange function on the concert page in question. Good luck!

New on www.abconcerts.be written by Jotie Boone in: Varia

]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:09:00 +0200 /en/tags/p/detail/raphael saadiq/p/detail/new-on-www-abconcerts-be?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Quiz along with AB Radio (live) and win 30 concert tickets!]]> /en/tags/p/detail/raphael saadiq/p/category/varia/p/detail/quiz-along-with-ab-radio-live-and-win-30-concert-tickets?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Today the AB blows out 30 candles and that seemed like an ideal moment to dive into the ABStudio's rich recording history.

Surf to ABradio now, where you can listen to a live compilation of AB concerts for an hour.

The question is simple: Provide us with the playlist of this broadcast. The first person to mail the names of the 13 bands/performers (you don't have to give titles) to contests@abconcerts.be will win duo-tickets for the following 15 concerts:

28/10 Shantel & Bucovina Club
29/10 Flat Earth Society
31/10 Bat For Lashes
02/11 Miles Davis: Kind of Blue
03/11 Billy Talent
5/11 Luz Casal
7/11 Vive La Fête + Hairglow
9/11 A Skylit Drive + Dance me to the Horizon
13/11 Marianne Faithfull
15/11 Branford Marsalis
17/11 Orishas
25/11 Joe Bonamassa
27/11 Babylon Circus
29/11 The Tragically Hip
30/11 Tegan and Sara


Good luck!

Quiz along with AB Radio (live) and win 30 concert tickets! written by Peter Deckers in: Varia

]]> Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:21:00 +0200 /en/tags/p/detail/raphael saadiq/p/category/varia/p/detail/quiz-along-with-ab-radio-live-and-win-30-concert-tickets?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[The 'NEW' Branford Marsalis Quartet]]> /en/tags/p/detail/raphael saadiq/p/category/varia/p/category/varia/p/detail/the-new-branford-marsalis-quartet?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Shortly following the release of what had already been described as their greatest work to date, Metamorphosen, the Branford Marsalis Quartet's personnel changed for the first time in over a decade.

With the departure of protean drummer, Jeff "Tain" Watts, the bandleader was faced with the enormous task of finding another drummer, and what he found in 18-year old Justin Faulkner was nothing short of astonishing.

The "new" Branford Marsalis Quartet includes Faulkner
on drums, Eric Revis on bass, Joey Calderazzo on piano, and, of course, Branford Marsalis on saxophone.

“…the music was almost compulsively loud, fast, aggressive, elaborate, generous and interactive. In other words, the show was extremely good.” The New York Times

 

Brandford Marsalis plays the AB on November 15th.

The 'NEW' Branford Marsalis Quartet written by Peter Deckers in: Varia

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]]> Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:23:00 +0200 /en/tags/p/detail/raphael saadiq/p/category/varia/p/category/varia/p/detail/the-new-branford-marsalis-quartet?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[AB presents the new In-House Photographer for the 2009-2010 season. ]]> /en/tags/p/detail/brandford marsalis/p/detail/ab-presents-the-new-in-house-photographer-for-the-2009-2010-season?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog
The AB Photo-Wall was officially opened yesterday in the AB café. Rock-photographer Alex Van Hee selected 30 images from his personal collection and will now exhibit them permanently in the AB café. Worth a visit!

Today Alex will also take the new AB In-house Photographer under his wing, for the 2009-2010 season. Julie Haelemeersch was retained from more than 200 candidates and a few heavy pre-selections.

 

The expression in her concert images was what finally decided the matter and made the jury grasp the words 'promising' and 'future'.

Her images:

 

AB likes to thank all candidates and wishes Julie good luck @ AB!

 

 

AB presents the new In-House Photographer for the 2009-2010 season. written by Peter Deckers in: Varia

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]]> Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:34:00 +0200 /en/tags/p/detail/brandford marsalis/p/detail/ab-presents-the-new-in-house-photographer-for-the-2009-2010-season?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Alan Lomax on Canvas]]> /en/tags/p/detail/ab-huisfotograaf/p/detail/alan-lomax-on-canvas?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog One year prior to the death of Alan Lomax, filmmaker Rogier Kappers paid a visit to the legendary folklorist. The viewer is witness to a moving meeting, a stroke had damaged Lomax’ brain and resulted in him no longer being able to speak. In this documentary, Kappers follows in the footsteps of his great example. With the assistance of an old Volkswagen and recording material, he travels through Europe looking for the singers that Lomax himself had recorded. His passion leads him to solitary Scottish islands, the dry heart of Spain and isolated Italian mountain ranges. It quickly becomes apparent that tracing the people and their music is an enormous task. However, at times he discovers musical gems: aged farmers, workers, housewives and herders pull the most beautiful songs out of their sleeves. Alongside this search, together with colleagues and friends of Lomax, Kappers sketches an image of The Songhunter. Throughout the documentary we frequently come into contact with a weakened but contented 86 year-old Lomax. This intense, musical road movie slowly gives us an insight into the mysterious character of folk music and also Lomax’ passion and life's work.
 
'The Songhunter'
Canvas
Thursday 10 September – 11:30pm
 
Read more about the Alan Lomax tribute here.

Alan Lomax on Canvas written by Herman Hulsens in: Varia

]]> Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:12:00 +0200 /en/tags/p/detail/ab-huisfotograaf/p/detail/alan-lomax-on-canvas?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Photo-Wall Alex Vanhee and photos by AB Inhouse Photographer in AB Café/Resto]]> /en/tags/p/detail/ab-huisfotograaf/p/category/varia/p/detail/photo-wall-alex-vanhee-and-photos-by-ab-inhouse-photographer-in-ab-caferesto?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Rock and photography, it's been a long and successful marriage, rock photography forming an art in itself.

With the start of the 30th concert season (1979 – 2009), AB cordially invites you to the AB Café/Resto. As of Tuesday 15 September you can visit Alex Vanhee's Photo-Wall, and the exhibition by first AB Inhouse Photographer Piet Janssens (season ’08-’09) in the AB Resto.

As of this season, Iggy Pop, Grace Jones, Oasis, Arno and many others can be admired in their full glory, in the AB Café! Rock photographer Alex Vanhee browsed through his collection of AB snapshots and presents them to the general public in the AB Café. Take a glance back at the Ancienne Belgique's rich history by means of the memorable moments he has captured. 

In the same breath, we also look to the future. The AB has been investing in musical talent for decades, but now also offers promising photographers the opportunity to fully unfurl their talents. On 14 September the AB will announce the identity of its second Inhouse Photographer. He/She will be taken under the wings of Alex Vanhee himself. 

Be sure to also visit the AB Resto between 14 September and the end of October 2009. There you'll find a selection of photos exhibited by Piet Janssens, first AB Inhouse Photographer from the previous ’08-’09 season.

Photo-Wall Alex Vanhee and photos by AB Inhouse Photographer in AB Café/Resto written by Peter Deckers in: Varia

]]> Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:07:00 +0200 /en/tags/p/detail/ab-huisfotograaf/p/category/varia/p/detail/photo-wall-alex-vanhee-and-photos-by-ab-inhouse-photographer-in-ab-caferesto?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Start of Alan Lomax Retrospective in Cinematek]]> /en/tags/p/detail/ab-huisfotograaf/p/category/varia/p/category/varia/p/detail/start-of-alan-lomax-retrospective-in-cinematek?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog  

Alan Lomax was not only a ‘songhunter’ but also a talented documentary-maker. Between 1978 and 1985 he made five documentaries under the title ‘American Patchwork’. That's why AB sought a suitable partner in Brussels for the cinematographic aspect of its Alan Lomax project. We were welcomed with open arms by Cinematek, the renewed Royal Belgian Film Archive. In the Viewing Space - as the living-room cinema is known (due to being inextricably connected to the exhibition space) - you can view Lomax' complete PATCHWORK SERIES every day until 27 October 2009. Furthermore, 4 related documentaries have also been programmed, of which a number of screenings will receive prior introduction.
 
‘Lomax, The Songhunter’ (Kappers, Rogier, The Netherlands, 2004, 93')
Documentary about the life and work of Alan Lomax, the ethno-musicologist who spent decades travelling the world to record folk music. With an introduction by British folk-songstress Shirley Collins, who accompanied Lomax in 1959 on his most important journey through the United States.
9/10/2009 – 7:00 pm
Cinematek, Ledoux Hall   

‘Awake, My Soul: the story of the Sacred Harp’ (Hinton, Erica & Hinton, Matt, USA, 2006, 75')
Seven years of filming delivered the first documentary on sacred harp singing, devotional choir music that is rooted in the South of the United States. With an introduction by Nathan Salsburg, staff member of the Alan Lomax Archive in New York.
13/10/2009 – 7:00 pm
Cinematek – Ledoux Hall

‘M for Mississippi: a road trip through the birthplace of the blues’ (Blaylock, Damien, Konkel, Jeff, Stolle, Roger, USA, 2008, 94')
Two self-confessed blues fanatics (Konkel and Stolle) travel through the Mississippi delta for a week in order to figure out how active the local blues scene still is. With images of the likes of T-Model Ford.
21/10/2009 – 8:00 pm
23/10/2009 – 6:00 pm
Cinematek – Plateau Hall

‘Genghis Blues’ (Belic, Roko, USA, 1999, 88')
Documentary about American bluesman Paul Pena's friendly association with Tuvan throat-singers, whose exceptional technique he is also able to use, much to his own surprise.
22/10/2009 – 6:00 pm
25/10/2009 – 8:00 pm
Cinematek – Plateau Hall
 
More info about the Alan Lomax tribute here.

Start of Alan Lomax Retrospective in Cinematek written by Herman Hulsens in: Alan Lomax

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]]> Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:39:00 +0200 /en/tags/p/detail/ab-huisfotograaf/p/category/varia/p/category/varia/p/detail/start-of-alan-lomax-retrospective-in-cinematek?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Exhibition 'Alan Lomax In Italy '54-'55' starts today.]]> /en/tags/p/detail/alan lomax/p/detail/exhibition-alan-lomax-in-italy-54-55-starts-today?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Alan Lomax (1915-2002) spent more than 60 years of his life recording and distributing folk music. From the summer of 1954 until January 1955 he travelled through Italy together with his Italian colleague Diego Carpitella. Last year a fantastic photo book about this journey was published, L'anno più felice della mia vita (The Happiest Year of My Life) by Goffredo Plastino.
 
In connection with the tribute to Alan Lomax organised by Ancienne Belgique in September and October 2009, the MIM presents a photography exhibition together with AB. A powerful selection of images from the book give an insight into the use of authentic Italian instruments and the life's work of the late Alan Lomax. A number of concerts will take place during the exhibition and also a reading by Goffredo Plastino. Moreover, the Musical Instrument Museum will provide a special route along a number of typical Italian instruments that are present in the museum.
 
Practical info:
Photography Exhibition ALAN LOMAX in Italy '54 - '55
Wednesday 26 August until Sunday 11 October 2009
free (please note: there is a charge for visiting the Musical Instrument Museum itself)
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Hofberg 2
1000 Brussels

Info: 02/545.01.30 www.mim.be
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.

 

More info on the Alan Lomax project here.

Exhibition 'Alan Lomax In Italy '54-'55' starts today. written by Herman Hulsens in: Varia

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]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:00:00 +0200 /en/tags/p/detail/alan lomax/p/detail/exhibition-alan-lomax-in-italy-54-55-starts-today?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog <![CDATA[Become the AB In-house Photographer 2009-2010!]]> /en/tags/p/detail/jan de smet & arne van dongen/p/detail/become-the-ab-in-house-photographer-2009-2010?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog Rock and photography, it's always been a successful marriage, rock-photography is an art-form in itself. The AB has invested in musical talent for decades and last season it also started with offering a promising young photographer the chance to develop in a concert hall environment by giving access to every last corner of the AB. View the selection of photos by Piet Janssen (AB In-house Photographer 2008-2009) here, or visit his exhibition in the AB Resto as of 14 September.

Are photography and music your passions too? Then this is your chance to become the second AB In-house Photographer! A photo-pass for any performance you desire, access to the backstage in order to take photos there too, your photos prominently displayed on the AB-website and, as icing on the cake,  your very own photo exhibition in the AB. Because it really is the intention to master the art of rock-photography, this will all take place with the guidance of professional rock-photographer Alex Vanhee (De Morgen) - whose photos will also liven up the AB Café as of September as part of 30 Years of AB. Register yourself and become in-house photographer for the AB for a year!

COMPETITION GUIDELINES
•    In order to participate you must make 5 photos available via www.flickr.com with the code ‘ABhuisfotograaf2009’. These don't have to be concert photos.
•    Send an application letter and your flickr-account through to contests@abconcerts.be  
•    You must be available to photograph concerts for the duration of one AB season  (September 2009 – August 2010)
•    You will photograph at least 5 concerts per month
•    You will be available for 4 coaching moments with Alex Vanhee.
•    Registration can take place up to and including Monday 24 August.

Become the AB In-house Photographer 2009-2010! written by Peter Deckers in: Varia

]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:31:00 +0200 /en/tags/p/detail/jan de smet & arne van dongen/p/detail/become-the-ab-in-house-photographer-2009-2010?utm_source=blog-en&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=blog