Dear all,
For the first time in many years I can’t recall a single moment, concert or day that represents all the goodness of 2018 for me. It was a year of progress, many new musical friends, challenges and happiness, and there’s nothing else I could wish for. Or maybe one little wish: A new solo album.
It is for sure a luxury problem not being able to finish my own recordings because of the many challenging invitations I get as a sideman or soloist, but I am starting to feel a certain urge now. But the good news
is that I am currently writing new stuff and I still improve, and that’s what matters me the most.
And I kept my promises, because I did study Italian on tour, I think I will need another 2 years before I can order my own perfect pizza in Torgiano without a nasty Rotterdam accent…
2018 was also the year I started my career as a stadium player. Off course it all started as a joke while being on tour with German musical giant Peter Maffay, but looking back now, there hasn’t been a year other than 2018 with a comparable amount of arena and stadium performances so far, and with equal musical challenges for me.
It also makes me very proud and thankful that our Special Request Horns are currently in demand by so many (inter)national leading artists and creative minds. For many years our goal has been not to be the guys that you see in every band that needs some horns, but the guys you ask specifically for to provide a personal tailor-made musical addition to your music. We consider ourselves a band, not some professional horns. And it makes me damn happy to see that 2018 brought, and 2019 will bring us many musical cooperations with people we love to play and hang with, and spice up their compositions and live performances.
Writing about all these happy thoughts makes me realize there’s practically nothing to wish for. Or maybe…..yes: A happy new year filled with health, joy and good music for you all, and world peace please. Well OK, and maybe less selfish idiots, especially in the banking and insurance industry. Lol.
Cheers! Jan.