We certainly don’t have to tell you anymore that there’s quite a bit going on in the Belgian jazz scene. Only last year, we at AB presented a selection of our nation’s contemporary jazz at mini-festival 'The New Wave Of Belgian Jazz'. A new generation of jazz musicians is emerging with an energetic, daring sound, that effortlessly makes crossovers to hip-hop and electronica. Lefto selected the best of this new stream of artists for his compilation album 'Jazz Cats’, to be released on 5 October via Sdban Ultra.

Glass Museum

The raw, sunny, energetic and inspired sound of duo Glass Museum reminds one of Gogo Penguin and BADBADNOTGOOD with electronica-influences à la Jon Hopkins and Floating Points. Their first album 'Deux' was released in May, it is a musical battle between the piano of Antoine Flipo and the drums of Martin Grégoire. Each track was remixed, by DJs like Haring and DC Salas. 'Deux' is the perfect marriage of pure traditional jazz, orchestral arrangements and electronic music. 

Commander Spoon

The Brussellians of Commander Spoon interlace their eclectic wealth of influences into an energetic jazz sound. The foursome consists of saxophonist Pierre Spataro ( who is also the brain behind the cosmic melodies), guitarist Florent Jeunieaux, bassist Fil Caporali and drummer Samy Wallens. Their first EP ‘Introducing’ was released earlier this year. It sounds very promising and just has us looking forward to their live set even more! 

Collective Conscience

This young trio from Antwerp is still exploring the boundaries between electronica, jazz and hip-hop. Their spaced out grooves are very infectious and remind one of the beats of Thundercat and Flying Lotus. The Notenbaert brothers (Sander on synths and Wannes on bass) are completed by drum talent Bram Vanhove (Coely, blackwave.).