The Lyrical Voice of Belgian Jazz
Ben Sluijs stands as one of Belgium’s most treasured jazz musicians, a saxophonist and flutist whose distinctive voice has shaped the country’s jazz landscape for decades. Born on March 6, 1967, in Antwerp, Sluijs has cultivated a musical identity consistently described as “lyrical and poetic,” a testament to the deeply emotional and melodic quality that defines his artistry. His innovative approach to composition and performance bridges the American post-bop tradition with distinctly European sensibilities, creating music that speaks to listeners across cultural boundaries.
Early Life and Education
Sluijs’s journey into music began with classical foundations, studying saxophone for five years at the Vilvoorde music academy under the guidance of Rudy Haemers. This formal training was enriched through workshops with respected classical musicians including François Daneels, Norbert Nozy, Willy Demey, and Ed Bogaerts.
A pivotal moment came at age fifteen when Sluijs discovered jazz, sparking a passion that would define his artistic path. This newfound love led him to four years of intensive study at the Antwerp Jazz Studio with John Ruocco, followed by training at the Brussels Conservatory under Steve Houben and graduation from the Tilburg Conservatory in the Netherlands.
Demonstrating his commitment to musical growth, Sluijs traveled to the United States in 2004 to study with the legendary saxophonist David Liebman, further refining his craft and expanding his artistic horizons.
Musical Style and Influences
The hallmark of Sluijs’s sound lies in its profound lyricism and emotional resonance. His compositions transform the American post-bop tradition through what critics have called “more peaceful West European sceneries,” creating a distinctive regional voice within the global jazz conversation.
His musical palette draws from diverse influences, including the innovative harmonies of Béla Bartók and the spiritual explorations of Yusef Lateef. This is evident in pieces like “Song for Yusef,” a heartfelt tribute to Lateef, and “Mali,” which evokes “exotic and meditative” atmospheres reminiscent of Alice Coltrane and Don Cherry.
Sluijs’s ballads, such as “Air Castles” and “Ice Chrystal,” inhabit the “impressionist-melancholic territories of the ECM school,” while compositions like “Miles Behind” showcase his ability to create relaxed, swinging jazz in the traditional vein. His alto saxophone solos on more energetic pieces like “Cell Mates” reveal the influence of John Coltrane’s powerful approach.
Leadership and Collaborations
As a bandleader, Sluijs has led quartets that have stood at the forefront of Belgian jazz for many years. His album “Flying Circles” (2002) earned inclusion in the prestigious “Finest in Belgian Jazz” box set created for Bruges 2002 as the European Capital of Culture, featuring a stellar lineup including Piet Verbist, Eric Thielemans, Chris Joris, and Erik Vermeulen.
His 2018 release “Particles” garnered widespread acclaim, described as “perfectly balanced,” “fragile, intimate and personal.” One enthusiastic reviewer even declared it his “most beautiful quartet record ever” and “pure world class.” The album featured the exceptional talents of Dré Pallemaerts, Bram De Looze, and Lennart Heyndels.
Beyond his quartets, Sluijs has cultivated a particularly fruitful musical partnership with pianist Erik Vermeulen, resulting in acclaimed duo albums including “Stones” (2001), “Parity” (2010), and “Decades” (2014).
His collaborative spirit has connected him with legendary Belgian musicians like Philip Catherine and Toots Thielemans, as well as internationally recognized artists such as Stacy Rowles, Bert Van den Brink, and Joe Fonda. In recognition of his artistry, Sluijs represented Belgium in the European Big Band in Slovenia (1997) and at the Euro Jazz Festival in Mexico (2003).
Diverse Musical Projects
Sluijs’s creativity extends beyond his quartet and duo work into numerous diverse projects:
- Member of Octurn, a pioneering Belgian polyrhythmic jazz ensemble led by Bo Van Der Werf
- Part of Ancesthree, a trio with Hendrik Braekman and Piet Verbist
- Contributor to The Unplayables, releasing “Harmonic Integration” (2008)
- Core member of 3/4 Peace
, with albums including “3/4 Peace
” (2012) and “Rainy Days On the Common Land” (2015) - Performer in the Serge Lazarevitch Trio and Quartet
- Explorer of the intersection between music and literature through solo performances with poets and spoken-word artists
- Collaborator with the Augusto Pirroda Quartet and Christian Mendoza Group
This remarkable versatility demonstrates Sluijs’s eagerness to explore diverse instrumental combinations and artistic expressions beyond conventional jazz formats.
Educational Commitment
Sluijs’s dedication to nurturing future generations of jazz musicians is evident in his role as a respected educator. He teaches jazz saxophone at the prestigious Conservatory of Antwerp and shares his knowledge with students at the academy of Antwerp, ensuring the continued evolution of Belgium’s vibrant jazz tradition.
Recognition and Awards
Throughout his distinguished career, Sluijs has received significant recognition for his contributions to jazz:
- Antoon Van Dijck Prize from the City of Antwerp (1999)
- Nominations for the Sabam Jazz Awards in the “Established Value” category (2016, 2018)
- Nominations for Zamu-Awards (2003, 2007)
- Nomination for d’Jango d’Or (2006)
- Nomination for the Klara Price with the Ben Sluijs Quartet (2019)
Recent Activities and Future Projects
Sluijs remains an active and influential figure in contemporary jazz. Recent album releases include “Particles” (2018) and “Still Three, Still Free” with the Serge Lazarevitch Trio (2020). His earlier album “Candy Century” was digitally re-released in January 2021.
Looking ahead, a new album from his group 3/4 Peace
is anticipated in April 2025, following the Serge Lazarevitch Quartet’s release of “Free Four” in 2024. His recent performance schedule includes duo concerts with Pascal Mohy and appearances with Trio Miel De Koninck, along with a prestigious performance at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 2019.
Legacy
Ben Sluijs has established himself as a pivotal figure in both Belgian and international jazz, leaving an indelible mark through his distinctive musical voice. As a saxophonist celebrated for his lyrical approach, a versatile composer with a keen ear for melody, and a dedicated educator shaping future generations, his contributions are profound and far-reaching.
From his foundational classical training to his explorations in post-bop and beyond, his musical journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and a deep commitment to creative collaboration. His ongoing projects continue to enrich the contemporary jazz landscape, solidifying his legacy as a significant and enduring voice in the world of music.
