Profound Observer

Saxophonist/composer Lennert Baerts is a man who has raised a few eyebrows over the past few years with various releases that displayed his ambition, curiosity and sense of adventure and evolution. He was included among Klara’s 'Twintigers’ and is recognised as having the most captivating young voice in the Belgian jazz landscape. With Profound Observer, he unites his intriguing personality and colours, creating a bridge between styles, temperaments and generations. "I wanted to create freedom. When we step onto the stage, our scores are very minimalistic. Just enough to retain our identity but the further evolution depends on the moment itself.”

As well as the man himself, Profound Observer includes guitarist Vitja Pauwels - also performing solo at Gent Jazz on 14 July  - and the dyed-in-the-wool Dutch drummer Daniël Jonkers. Baerts chose them due to their warm sound, intuition and musical identity. Each of them has pushed the boundaries of jazz, within this identity. Respectful but courageous. Together, they released 'I Choose Not To’ last year; an album full of compositions reduced to their essence, leaving maximum room for personal input. Sound, intimacy and freedom are the three driving key words of Profound Observer. And we would like to add 'inter-generational cross-pollination’. Or, as De Standaard stated; "put a young jazz trio with a statesman from the Belgian jazz scene and you create a great album and an even better concert.”

Line-up:

Lennert Baerts | Tenor Saxophone & compositions
Vitja Pauwels | Guitar & effects
Daniël Jonkers | Drums & percussion