The tour began in Amersfoort at the Cafe Nonnetje and Braxton continued to perform to full-capacity crowds in Leeuwarden at Caf Silbermann, Oosterwolde at Stationsplein 2, Emmen at Rue de la Gare, and Groningen at the Cafe Buckshot. Braxton was accompanied by a stellar trio of musicians from the area which included Sietse Huisman on drums, Tico Pierhagen on keyboards, and Daniele Labbate on bass guitar. Braxton was both thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to perform before such appreciative audiences. The people of the Netherlands brought such energy and enthusiasm to each concert," Braxton explained. They stood right in front of the stage throughout the entire show and would not let us leave until we had played at least one or two encores. It was truly a rewarding experience that I will never forget."
Smooth Jazz Europe also considered the tour a tremendous success. Many people came up to us after the concerts and thanked us for bringing Tom to Europe," stated Wenzel. Even now, I'm still receiving emails from enthusiastic fans expressing how much they loved the shows." While on tour in the Netherlands, Braxton made a stop at the Noardewyn studio in Omrop, Fryslan for a live on air" radio performance and interview. Braxton, who is also an accomplished clinician and educator, conducted a special master class at the Pop Academy in Leeuwarden for a group of talented music students. After a brief lecture, Braxton joined the students in performing selections from his music catalog.
Smooth Jazz Europe is planning for Braxton to make another trip to the Netherlands in the fall.A jazz festival and club tour, which would include dates in Germany, are currently in the works."The people and club owners want him back," said Wenzel, and so do we."
Braxton's current US tour schedule include:
Sat., May 8 - Dallas, TX, Bishop Arts Theater Center,(w/ Marc Antoine & Brian Simpson),215 S. Tyler Street, 7:00 p.m. & 9:45 p.m.
Sun., Jun. 6 - Columbia, MD, Capital Jazz Fest,(w/ Brian Simpson, U-Nam and Urban Jazz Coalition), Merriweather Post Pavilion, 10475 Little Patuxent Parkway
Sun., Jun. 20 8 PM & 10 PM - Hollywood, CA, Catalina Bar and Grill (w/ Keiko Matsui), 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028 323-466-2210
Wed., Jul. 7 5:30 PM - Reno, NV, KJZS 92.1 FM Live Jazz Night at John Ascuaga's Nuggest, Orozko Lounge
Thurs., Jul. 15 9:30/11:15 PM - Chicago, IL, Close Up 2, 416 S. Clark Ave
Sat., Aug. 21 - Seal Beach, CA, Spaghettini, 3005 Old Ranch Parkway
Sat., August 28 - Michigan City,IN, Smooth Jazz at South Shore
For more information contact Sound Visions Media.