All it takes is one listen to “Cipriano" to be reeled in by the sublime guitar work of Jan Dumee. The fifth track from Dumee & Dijkgraaf Quinteto's new album, Heloisando, “Cipriano" features some of the dreamiest guitar playing that can be found on any record this year. Oddly enough, Dumee's relationship with the guitar was not instantly formed. “I've never particularly had a fondness for the instrument," Dumee admitted. “Usually it was the music itself that attracted me. I love all the instruments and for which musical frequency they serve. But the personal love for the guitar came later."
Dumee & Dijkgraaf Quinteto formed four years ago in the Netherlands. Harmonicist Wim Dijkgraaf met Dumee during a jam session, and their common interest in expanding the scope of Brazilian jazz created an instant bond. “We had such a nice musical click, mainly because it was immediately apparent to me that he approached Brazilian music in a much more free way then what I was used to in Brazil," Dijkgraaf explained. “His approach was that of free jazz but applied with a lot of knowledge and respect to the standard Brazilian repertoire."
On Heloisando, Dumee & Dijkgraaf Quinteto remains faithful to the essence of Brazilian jazz while injecting elements of classical music. It's a compelling mix, one that is symbolized by the band members' Latin American and European roots. “In Brazil, Wim and I are sometimes described as more Brazilian than many Brazilians," Dumee revealed. “We find that a very funny and a nice compliment. We represent an open musical spirit that doesn't know frontiers."
The international roll call of Dumee & Dijkgraaf Quinteto, which also includes pianist Kiko Continentino, bassist Paulo Russo, and drummer Marcio Bahia, has found an adopted home in New York City. “New York is the center of contemporary jazz and the musical jazz melting pot of the world," Dumee said. “It's where many great musicians get to try their luck. The competition is fierce and the artistic and commercial competition is high, and that keeps the level very high." Although not a well-known entity as of yet, the sparkling chemistry and enthralling artistry of Heloisando will eventually break Dumee & Dijkgraaf Quinteto into the mainstream jazz scene sooner than later.
Dumee & Dijkgraaf Quinteto formed four years ago in the Netherlands. Harmonicist Wim Dijkgraaf met Dumee during a jam session, and their common interest in expanding the scope of Brazilian jazz created an instant bond. “We had such a nice musical click, mainly because it was immediately apparent to me that he approached Brazilian music in a much more free way then what I was used to in Brazil," Dijkgraaf explained. “His approach was that of free jazz but applied with a lot of knowledge and respect to the standard Brazilian repertoire."
On Heloisando, Dumee & Dijkgraaf Quinteto remains faithful to the essence of Brazilian jazz while injecting elements of classical music. It's a compelling mix, one that is symbolized by the band members' Latin American and European roots. “In Brazil, Wim and I are sometimes described as more Brazilian than many Brazilians," Dumee revealed. “We find that a very funny and a nice compliment. We represent an open musical spirit that doesn't know frontiers."
The international roll call of Dumee & Dijkgraaf Quinteto, which also includes pianist Kiko Continentino, bassist Paulo Russo, and drummer Marcio Bahia, has found an adopted home in New York City. “New York is the center of contemporary jazz and the musical jazz melting pot of the world," Dumee said. “It's where many great musicians get to try their luck. The competition is fierce and the artistic and commercial competition is high, and that keeps the level very high." Although not a well-known entity as of yet, the sparkling chemistry and enthralling artistry of Heloisando will eventually break Dumee & Dijkgraaf Quinteto into the mainstream jazz scene sooner than later.
