From the Netherlands, renowned trombonists Martin van den Berg and Ilja Reijngoud present their ambitious project entitled “The New 21 Trombones,” a work that celebrates the sound richness of metals with a contemporary and powerful approach.
This July 2025 release pays homage to the classic trombone assembly format, reimagined under a modern vision that combines orchestral precision, jazz freedom and a fresh repertoire.
The album stands out for its meticulous arrangements and impeccable performance, showing the experience and mastery of both musicians within the great European orchestras.
Martin van den Berg, a bastrombonist of the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw and the Metropole Orkest, as well as a teacher at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, has built a solid career within European jazz as one of the references in his instrument.
Ilja Reijngoud, born in Leiden in 1972, has left a deep mark as a performer, composer, arranger and pedagogue. He has worked with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Toots Thielemans, Ivan Lins, Pat Metheny and John Scofield, as well as leading his own projects such as The Art of Two and running the trombone department of the Amsterdam Conservatory.
This collaboration between the two emerges as a natural act between colleagues who have shared the stage on multiple occasions, including their work with Metropole Orkest.
Each piece is an elegant and rhythmically sophisticated reinterpretation of jazz classics, with guests providing unique textures from percussion to voice.
The participation of figures such as Lucas van Merwijk, Marco Toro and Bulu Viloria reaffirms the cosmopolitan vision of the project. Highly recommended material for those looking for a high-rise sound experience, built on the virtuosity and sensitivity of contemporary European jazz.