As a recently graduated physicist, pianist Chris Muller composed the piece ‘Turning Thoughts.’ This composition depicted the transition from a scientific world to a new life as a musician, symbolizing Chris’s life phase at that moment. As a jazz pianist deeply rooted in tradition, this academic background provided Chris with the opportunity to delve into big band music and the art of arranging. The love for big band music inspired Chris to pursue one of his dreams in 2021 and establish his own big band: along with seventeen friends, he founded the Chris Muller Bigband (CMBB).
The Netherlands has a rich history of big bands, and to preserve it, young musicians must step up. This young and driven big band aims to become one of the new key players in the Dutch big band scene. With original compositions by Chris and other young composers/arrangers, the band seeks to present a fresh vision and a new sound while simultaneously paying homage to the great masters.
The youthful character of the band is complemented by the bandmembers’ experience, who are active in various Dutch orchestras. Several musicians regularly appear in the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw and the Metropole Orkest. Also, many band members have played in the Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orkest and the Jong Metropole at both national and international venues.
The band has played at multiple venues and festivales throughout the country, and in the spring of 2023 their debut album Turning Thoughts l was recorded in the Wisseloord Studios. In june 2024 this album was presented at an almost sold out BIMHUIS in Amsterdam, together with multiple guests including Jasper Blom. The album was received well, and received multiple praises and postive critics after its release.
At present, the band is one of the youngest professional big bands in the Netherlands, consisting of the most talented individuals from the scene. With seven different nationalities, the band represents a rich palette of cultures and influences, demonstrating an international orientation to reach a wider audience. Several musicians perform in bands under their own names, such as NAUSIQA and The Fried Seven. Additionally, many musicians are frequently featured in the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw and the Metropole Orkest. Several band members have also graced national and international stages with the Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orkest and the Jong Metropole.
The band’s mission is to breathe new life into Dutch jazz culture. By playing new repertoire written by Chris, strongly influenced by the old masters, the band imparts a fresh and modern twist to the traditional big band sound. With this approach, the band aims to continue artistic innovation while remaining accessible to appeal to a broad audience. Coupled with the band’s youthful and energetic appearance, this provides audiences with inspiring, boundary-pushing concerts.
