Free in the context of the Brussels Jazz Weekend

 

Flat Earth Society Orchestra & David 9½ Bovée.

Flat Earth Society Orchestra, flagship of the flunked flank of Belgian jazz, has been surprising national and international stages for more than twenty years now - with programs that invariably burst at the seams, flout genre rules, and amaze listeners with their multicoloured spazz, jazz, razzmatazz.

Highlights? Too many to sum up, but ‘Boggamasta I’ (2017) was one of them.

Frontman Peter Vermeersch and returned original member David Bovée gave form to the central figure of the album, the power-hungry megalomaniac Boggamasta, who drove the willing and eager turbo-orchestra to new heights of musical debauchery and vice. The combination of XL arrangements with that shady behaviour and those growling grooves was enough for a charm offensive that stunned audiences and critics in Europe and South America.

Jazz? “Well, you know, like, kinda.” In ‘London Jazz News’, a reporter lamented: “It certainly is not music that should be judged with jazz criteria.” Splendid!

The fresh brew of ‘Boggamasta III’ is not for those seeking answers, as these rogue mutineers have once again assembled a collection of cunning compositions and misleading tales. The most trusted FES-references – Ellingtonia, viral shenanigans, Zappa, 21st century fears and frenzies – remain intact, but are guided by labyrinthine urban jungles and feverishly innovative traditions.

‘Boggamasta III’ pours out in generous gushes, drawing dizzying patterns, pulls itself spaceways with maps that only unfold when needed.

Let there be no doubt: even in its third decade, Flat Earth Society excels at creating wonderfully dodgy music, full of absurd perspectives and breath-taking twists and turns. It is a method, a reason for being that remains fresh and vital, and never ceases to surprise. A tightrope walk, voluptuous musical film and funeral polka all in one: ‘Boggamasta III’ is another triumph for Flat Earth Society and Bovée. And if you were wondering where ‘Volume 2’ is: “It has now been three years since the first chapter,... time’s running out.” Flat Earth Society is always one step ahead of you. By all possible means.

BOGGAMASTA III

David 9½ Bovée – electric guitar, vocals & electronics

Peter Vermeersch - bass(clarinet), vocals & electronics

Mirko Banovic - electric bass

Kristof Roseeuw - contrabass

Peter Vandenberghe - keyboard & piano

Teun Verbruggen - drums

Wim Segers - percussion & vocals

Benjamin Boutreur – alto sax

Michel Mast – tenor sax

Martí Melià – tenor sax

Bruno Vansina – baritone sax & flute

Berlinde Deman - tuba & vocals

Bart Maris - trumpet

Pauline Leblond - trumpet & vocals

Peter Delannoye - trombone

Marc Meeuwissen - trombone