Flat Earth Society
Category: | groep / artiest, ensemble, hedendaagse muziek |
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Genre(s): | big band jazz, Jazz, 21ste eeuw / hedendaags |
Conductor of: | Peter Vermeersch |
Actual/previous members: | Benjamin Boutreur, Peter Delannoye, Berlinde Deman, Pauline Leblond, Frederik Leroux, Bart Maris, Michel Mast, Marc Meeuwissen, Marti MeliĆ”, Kristof Roseeuw, Wim Segers, Peter Vandenberghe, Bruno Vansina, Teun Verbruggen, Peter Vermeersch |
Biography
Taking Belgian whimsy to a logical, irresistible extreme, Flat Earth Society straddles the border between multi-color surrealism and savvy skill with striking ease. Speaking of borders: Flat Earth Society is the ultimate international ambassador for this peculiar kind of Belgian eccentricity, with memorable performances all over the globe. Since composer, reed player, producer and de facto bandleader Peter Vermeersch founded the orchestra in the late 90’s, it has become one of the most productive and thrilling bands of its kind, with an endless list of genre-defying projects, enterprises delving into (silent) film, theatre and opera, and a wide range of albums to its credit.
Perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the band is being led by a trained architect, as the gang’s enviable command of form and freedom betrays a thorough knowledge of structural possibilities. Working with sheet music and tight arrangements, as well as alarming amounts of freedom and unpredictability, this 15-headed juggernaut effortlessly switches from one style and temperament to another. Not to prove that it can, but because the possibilities are just too good to ignore. The generosity that is at the heart of Flat Earth Society will satisfy those looking for an XL-shot of adrenalin and its proudly upheld ‘unreliability’.
While Flat Earth Society’s compositions and arrangements betray an expert knowledge of 20th century traditions - from various jazz branches to rock, exotica and contemporary music - it starts from a decidedly 21st century spirit, looking forward and creating a body of work that is as large and multi-layered as it is instantly recognisable. Quick-witted, effortlessly eccentric and always on the lookout for new and exciting challenges, Flat Earth Society is that rare beast: a constantly evolving orchestra that keeps shedding its skin and thrives best live. On welcoming, adventurous stages this band really explodes, something its many guests - from Jimi Tenor and John Watts to Ernst Reijseger and Uri Caine - can attest to.
Selective discography
Boggamasta III (2021) Big Band jazz Flat Earth Society |
Untitled #0 (2018) Big Band jazz Flat Earth Society |
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Boggamasta (2017) Big Band jazz, World / Ethnic Flat Earth Society |
Terms of Embarrassment (2016) Big Band jazz Flat Earth Society |
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FES XLS (2014) Big Band jazz, free & experimental jazz, Jazz Flat Earth Society, X-Legged Sally |
13 (2013) Big Band jazz Flat Earth Society |
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Answer songs (2009) Big Band jazz Flat Earth Society |
Cheer me, perverts! (2009) Big Band jazz Flat Earth Society |
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Die Austernprinzessin (2007) Big Band jazz Peter Vermeersch, Peter Vermeersch, Flat Earth Society |
Psychoscout (2006) Big Band jazz Flat Earth Society |
Op compilaties van Muziekcentrum Vlaanderen
Jazztublieft! / Vol. 2 (2007) Jazz Diverse uitvoerders |
Flamundo! / Vol. 2 (2006) World / Ethnic Diverse uitvoerders |
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Jazztublieft! (2005) Jazz Diverse uitvoerders |
Related Items
Press Clips: (Wat is dit?) | Flemish Jazz Meeting 2009 (2009) |
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External links: | Facebook van Flat Earth Society Flat Earth Society op Spotify Flat Earth Society op Instagram |