altosax.be

My History
I was born in Leuven, Belgium on 24th March 1961. Leuven is famous for its university and beer. I have had a bit of both. I studied electronic engineering @ Groep T.

I started the classical clarinet at the local academy of Leuven for 5 years, finishing at the age of 14. After that I picked up the alto saxophone and participated at the Jazz Clinics in Dworp, one week per year. My teachers were Steve Houben, Etienne Verschueren, Greg Badolato, Hall Singer, Nathan Davies, and unfortunately, not John Ruocco -who was my favorite at that time- etc ... I listened all day to Phil Woods, Cannonball, Paul Desmond, Brecker, Mintzer, Getz etc ... I wanted to play the alto saxophone because of the size of it, certainly not the sound because I really hated it. It felt strange to play in the key of Eb being used to play in Bb but after all, the key doesn’t matter.

I joined the European Jazz Orchestra Big Band in 1980 and toured all over Europe. At the same time, Milkshake Banana, my band with my two brothers and some other friends, became more and more popular. I toured with, Act big Band, Jan Muës multitet, Yvan Paduard, Calvin Owens, Johan Verminnen, Kris De Bruyne, Liliane St Pierre and recorded with Soul Sister, Victor Laszlo and many Belgian and French singers.

I worked with many artists and had chances to perform with some big names. In 1983 I joined the BRT Radio Jazz Orchestra for a couple of years. Ever since I have been teaching, playing as much as possible, doing studio work, ...

This is the short version of my curriculum. Music and technology are both a passion to live for. I’ll never give up one of both!