Biography
The chromatic harmonica and jazz; Of the few who've dared to make playing the harmonica their trade, Jan is probably the only one who has succeeded in developing a unique style on this characteristic instrument. In Jazz he is certainly the only one who plays octaves whilst improvising.
Jan Verwey, born in Vlissingen, is a self-taught chromatic harmonica player and a true bebopper. He used his insight to make this craft his own. Due to his well-developed technical skill he able to express his unique, melodic and harmonic outlook and ideas into daring solos.
During his first visit to the United States, fall 1990, it became clear how special his talents are. Producer Bill Goodwin, the percussionist of altist Phil Woods, immediatly drafted him into the studio to record the CD "The Dutch Connection". This led to him giving a performance at the North Sea Jazz Festival upon his return to the Netherlands.
Only one year later, in 1991, he was back again in the States. This time as the only invited European soloist at, among others, the festival 'Celebration of the Art', witch was at Watergap. He also performed with Hod O'Brien (renowned for his albums with Chet Baker)) at the famous Jazzclub 'The Deerhead Inn'.
Jan Verwey also toured different times trough Europe. Recently performances were in Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Brussels and Hamburg (at Birdland).
Some activities in the Netherlands
Nomination "Pall Mall Export Award"
Soloistic work with "Skymasters" and "Metropole orchestra"
TV Programm "Reiziger in muziek" (VPRO) in 1992, 1998 and 2001
Opera "Rosa" from Louis Andriessen (also Soloistic) in 1994 and 1998 TROS "Sesjun" with Bart van Lier (among others)
Concert once every month in jazzcafe Elsa's (Amsterdam)
Performance at "Jazz Bij Duurstede" 2002, with his trio
