Notes on this instrument

During my studies at the conservatory in Tilburg, my professor suggested that I play the bass saxophone in the school’s saxophone ensemble. I was immediately enthusiastic. My brother is a professional bass player (in the rock industry), my father had played the bass harmonica in a trio in the 50s.

When I started looking for pieces to study on this saxophone however, I found that there where virtually no pieces in existence for bass saxophone! I was astonished, especially since the bass saxophone is the mother of the saxophone family!

This then sparked the idea to inspire composers to write for this saxophone. What followed can fill a book by itself. Many adventures, meetings, travels and concerts followed, and now there are about 130 works in existence for bass saxophone in different combinations.

list of works that were written for me

When I met the Raschèr Saxophone Quartet for the first time in the 90s when they played in Amsterdam, they invited me to take part in a workshop a few months later. I told them about my bass playing, and they asked if I could bring the instrument. At that point I was still playing our school’s Selmer MK VI bass saxophone. I made my way to Lörrach, at the Swiss/German border, and played the bass during that workshop. A little later, I was asked to sub in the, then newly formed, Raschèr Saxophone Orchestra, which was, of course, a great honor for me! This became a permanent connection somewhat later. As I was finishing my studies in Tilburg, I had to look for an instrument of my own. A daunting task, because I had nowhere near the funds to go out and buy a bass saxophone.

All stars aligned though, as I was to be the first young artist to receive the “Jacques de Leeuw” young talent award in 2002. At the same time, I had visited the Keilwerth factory (see story under the “Frankenstein” Keilwerth), and became an endorsed artist with that company. That way it became possible for me to acquire this brilliant bass saxophone, which gave my career wings!

I still enjoy playing this saxophone so much. For me it is the best of both worlds: the build of an old American bass like Buescher / Conn, but a very modern applicator that allows me to play all the repertoire I want to. I play it with Sigurd Raschèr’s old Conn Eagle mouthpiece, which the Raschèr family gifted to me after Mr. Raschèr’s death in 2001.