Four languages become one young jazz grammar

The garden at Singer Laren does not need to turn jazz into a lecture. At 16:00 on 23 August, HOUSD lets an audience hear negotiation directly: a vocal phrase falls quiet, a groove enters and a soloist decides how much space to take. Dutch singer Gudrun Blok performs with musicians from South Korea, France and Sweden. The quartet previously won first, audience and press prizes at the Princess Christina Jazz Concours. The prizes are only the doorway. The revealing live question is who chooses to step back. This young group does not prove skill by keeping the volume high; it creates contrast between vocal-jazz tradition, contemporary improvisation, lyrical stillness and energetic solos. Free entry makes the concert accessible to first-time listeners, although outdoor capacity and weather still shape the experience.

• The free concert begins at 16:00 on 23 August.
• It takes place in the garden at Singer Laren.
• The quartet brings together musicians from four countries.
• Use Oude Drift 1 and check weather and arrival advice.

Hokimi field note: Arrive early for a view of the drummer and pianist. Watching their eye contact and handovers reveals more of the ensemble than focusing only on the singer.

Information verified 2026-08-15 · Source 1