Brisky documents a live, free improvised performance of a new acoustic trio of some of the most experienced improvisers in Amsterdam’s free music scene – Dutch guitarist Henk Zwerver (who also produced the album, released it and did the collage artwork) and double bass player Wilbert de Joode with American-born drummer Michael Vatcher (who plays regularly with de Joode as the rhythm section in the trios of pianist Michiel Braam and reeds player Jan Klare). The trio was recorded at Zaal 100 in Amsterdam in March 2025.
The seven short pieces reflect the free spirit of the music, relying on deep listening, fast instincts, and explorative, extended fretting, bowing, and percussive technique that intensify the risk-taking, unpredictable essence of it. Still, the music flows in its own quirky, but organic manner, never shy of being eccentric or openly emotional. In its own special way, the trio’s music-making corresponds faithfully with the cover’s collage, as a never-ending process of shaping and reshaping the sonic configurations.
Brisky lasts only about thirty minutes, but it is packed with inspired, spontaneous music. Zwerver, de Joode, and Vatcher sound as if they are totally possessed by the art of the moment, creative, imaginative, restless, uncompromising, and full of life-affirming energy.
Eyal Hareuveni
Henk Zwerver (guitar), Wilbert de Joode (double bass), Michael Vatcher (drums)
