For Naima Joris, melancholy is never far off. Even a happy song gets inevitably soaked by the deep blues of her voice. Together with the balanced strength and musical ingenuity of Brussels Jazz Orchestra, the singer embarks on a moody journey past the repertoire of a.o. Amália Rodrigues, Leonard Bernstein, Cesária Évora, Abbey Lincoln and Stromae. Although the project title Saudade is usually translated as an emotional mix of loss, missing and love, BJO and Naima Joris approach the term with a vibrant musical energy.
Saudade is an exciting project for both parties: working with the incomparable talent that is Naima Joris, the 17-piece Brussels Jazz Orchestra aims to redefine what a great jazz orchestra can be. While BJO stays true to the dynamic and energetic sound the band is known for, it also highlights an intimate, quiet and subtle side. This way, the orchestra creates space for the various depths of Naima's voice and Saudade bears a musical intimacy that will leave no one unmoved.
My father and Frank have known each other for a long time. He has watched me grow up and followed me through the years. During a live stream concert in 2021, he invited me to perform Nick Drake's 'Three Hours' with Brussels Jazz Orchestra. We thought it was an interesting but also challenging idea to combine a quiet singer with a big band.
- Naima Joris about BJO and artistic leader Frank Vaganée
One look at Saudade's repertoire immediately gives an idea of the moody, universal and international nature of this project. Naima Joris: 'I associate singing with processing the more difficult things in life. That's why the songs in this project are often about wiser, deeper things.' From Le sommeil by Barbara (FR) and Down Here Below by Abbey Lincoln (US) to Some Other Time by Leonard Bernstein (US), quand c'est by Stromae (B) and Gaivota by Amália Rodrigues (PT). The songs were arranged by a.o. Pierre Drevet, Lode Mertens and Dieter Limbourg. BJO musicians who have been part of the orchestra for decades and know perfectly how to combine the strength of the band as a whole, the individual abilities of the soloists and the uniqueness of Naima Joris' voice.
Saudade will not only be presented live but also released on CD. More news soon!
