Jazz | Syndicate Broere Fix
Led by the Dutch multi-reedist, composer, and bandleader , the Jazz Syndicate is not merely a big band in the traditional sense. It is a flexible, hard-grooving collective that bridges the gap between the golden age of Count Basie and the contemporary edge of the Dutch jazz scene. The Architect: Peter Broere At the heart of the syndicate is Peter Broere, a saxophonist and clarinetist whose career spans decades of performance across Europe. Broere’s philosophy is simple yet ambitious: jazz should be accessible, danceable, and intellectually stimulating. After years of playing in various settings—from small combos to swing orchestras—Broere envisioned a group that could handle complex arrangements without losing the visceral thrill of a rhythm section in full flight.
The ensemble typically features a classic big band lineup: five saxes (doubling on flutes and clarinets), four trumpets, four trombones, and a powerhouse rhythm section of piano, bass, drums, and guitar. However, the "syndicate" model allows Broere to scale the group down for intimate club dates or expand for festival stages. jazz syndicate broere
Utrecht, Netherlands – In the vibrant ecosystem of European jazz, where tradition meets fearless innovation, one ensemble has steadily carved out a reputation for relentless swing, cinematic storytelling, and airtight ensemble playing: Jazz Syndicate Broere . Led by the Dutch multi-reedist, composer, and bandleader
For those outside the Netherlands, the band’s music is available on , Apple Music , and Bandcamp . Their 2023 live album, "Live at the Bimhuis" , is widely considered the best entry point, capturing the band in full flight before an enthusiastic crowd. Final Verdict Jazz Syndicate Broere is not trying to reinvent jazz. Instead, they are doing something arguably harder: perfecting it. With bulletproof arrangements, a leader who knows when to lead and when to listen, and a collective joy that leaps out of every bar, Peter Broere’s syndicate is essential listening for anyone who believes that a big band, when done right, is still one of the most thrilling sounds in music. Broere’s philosophy is simple yet ambitious: jazz should
Live, Jazz Syndicate Broere is a revelation. Whether headlining the smaller stages or packing the LantarenVenster in Rotterdam, the band delivers a visceral, well-rehearsed punch. Critics have praised their "telepathic ensemble work" and the "joyous, conversational solos" from rotating guest artists—including Dutch trumpet star Jan van Duikeren and saxophonist Sander van Haperen . A Community of Musicians True to its name, the syndicate operates as a cooperative. Broere has built a roster of some of the Netherlands’ most in-demand sidemen—players who normally back pop acts, theatre productions, or studio sessions but come together for the love of the big band sound. This blend of professional experience and personal passion gives the music a rare authenticity: tight, but never sterile; explosive, but never chaotic. Where to Find Them Jazz Syndicate Broere performs regularly in the "grote zaal" (main hall) of venues like TivoliVredenburg (Utrecht) and Bimhuis (Amsterdam). They also run a popular monthly "Syndicate Session" series, where young conservatory students are invited to sit in and arrange for the band—a testament to Broere’s commitment to passing the torch.
Listeners often compare the band’s recorded output to the work of , Gordon Goodwin , and early Thad Jones/Mel Lewis orchestras—but with a distinctly European warmth and precision. Notable Recordings and Performances The syndicate has released several acclaimed albums on independent Dutch labels. Their 2019 album "Back on the Schedel" (a playful nod to Dutch streets where they first rehearsed) received airplay on NPO Radio 2 Soul & Jazz . Tracks like "Broere’s Blues" and "Utrecht Shuffle" have become anthems in the Netherlands’ jazz circuit, showcasing the band’s ability to shift from whisper-quiet saxophone choruses to roaring brass explosions.