Bodem

• Gent Jazz
  Thursday 2•July•2026
  17:50•

A sound for the future. The Belgian jazz scene continues to flourish, driven by a new generation of artists pushing its boundaries. Among the most exciting emerging names is Bodem, the trio led by saxophonist Adia Vanheerentals, who was selected for De Twintigers in 2024—Klara’s showcase of young talent to watch. With Bodem, she focuses on lyrical melodies and a fresh, collective approach to interplay.

Their debut album, Kleine Mars, proved a compelling introduction. Released by Nicolas Rombouts on his MOKUHI Sonorities label, the album revealed a captivating balance between intimacy and energy. This is not music for smoky jazz clubs, but rather for open-air summer vibes and soft colours. The album received strong support from Belgian national radio stations such as Radio 1 and Klara, both embracing Vanheerentals’ inventive compositions. The trio found themselves moving between the introspective mood of the Scandinavian scene and the more grounded, rhythmic edge of Chicago jazz.

Adia is joined by two talented musicians she met at the Antwerp conservatoire: drummer Anke Verslype and guitarist Willem Malfliet. Verslype brings a nuanced, quietly powerful presence, while Malfliet—also active with the band WOOLVS—moves fluidly between pop and jazz textures. Together, they form the perfect counterparts to Adia’s concise, imaginative compositions.

Bodem’s second album was released on 21 February through MOKUHI Sonorities. In 2025, the band will tour Flanders in collaboration with Jazzlab.

Line-up:

• Adia Vanheerentals: saxophone
• Willem Malfliet: guitar
• Anke Verslype: drums

For fans of: Norah Jones, Bon Iver, Aurora, Kamasi Washington