Willem Breuker was a Dutch jazz bandleader, composer, arranger, and saxophonist who was a pivotal figure in the European free jazz movement. Born on November 4, 1944, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Breuker's career spanned over four decades, during which he became renowned for his unconventional approach to jazz and his integration of theatrical elements into performances. A prolific musician, Breuker co-founded the Instant Composers Pool with Misha Mengelberg and Han Bennink, and later, the Willem Breuker Kollektief in 1974, an ensemble that became notorious for its energetic and often unorthodox concert presentations that blurred the lines between various musical genres.

Throughout his career, Willem Breuker's output was both vast and eclectic, ranging from the whimsical and avant-garde to reinterpretations of classic jazz forms. His voracious appetite for experimentation and his relentless pursuit of musical innovation are evident in works such as "De Knop/The Button" (1977), where his penchant for whimsy and complexity shine through. Similarly, pieces like "Psalm 122," "Jumping Shark," and "De Onderste Steen" showcase Breuker's ability to craft music that is both deeply expressive and iconoclastic. "Music for His Films - 1967/1994" serves as a testament to his contributions to the realm of soundtracks, further highlighting his versatility as a composer. His "Lunchconcert for Three Amsterdam Street Organs" illustrates his unique vision of integrating unorthodox instruments into a formal concert setting, reflecting a career-long ethos of challenging musical norms and expectations. Willem Breuker passed away on July 23, 2010, but his legacy continues to influence and inspire the realms of jazz and contemporary music.

Genres

Dutch Contemporary Classical

Latest Release

De Knop / The Button (1977)

Willem Breuker

Album - 23 Tracks - Released June 15, 2006