P u r e : B r u s s e l s / B r u x e l l e s / B e l g i u m .
Part of a series devoted to various world cities.
Playlist:
1- Stromae.
Brussels singer/rapper (real name Paul Van Haver). Stromae distinguishes himself from his colleagues with his personal texts and elastic facial expressions. It is mainly his music (a mix of rap, electropop, chanson and African influences) that appeals to a wide audience. Stromae’s first single Alors On Danse was an instant hit, also in the Netherlands. CD. Cheese – Stromae. LABEL: Mercury Records (2010), Code: 600753278253. VIDEO
2- Orchestre International du Vetex.
The Orchestra operates from Belgium, but is an unparalleled international party orchestra. The Balkans sound very emphatically, but on their new album Fifavela you can also hear South America and the tarantella of Sicily with the occasional Afro beat. And all that in a natural-sounding mix that is performed with boundless energy and enthusiasm. The Orchester International du Vetex has gradually developed into one of the very best brass bands in the world. CD. Fifavela – Orchestre International du Vetex. LABEL: Via Lactea (2015), code: VLR-012. VIDEO
3-
Ambrozijn.
When Wim Claeys returns from his Folk music training in Sweden in 1996, he has taken a serious hold of his passion for music. Together with friends Tom Theuns and Wouter Vandenabeele he founded the folk band Ambrozijn. They tour intensively for a year before the band arrives at the end point. The final performance in Ghent will follow on December 21, 2007. CD. Ambrozijn. LABEL: Wild Boar Music (1998), code: WBM 21003. VIDEO
4- Willem Vermandere
A Flemish cabaret artist, writer, poet, sculptor, philosopher of life, singer, guitarist, bass clarinetist and painter. He invariably sings in his West Flemish dialect. He himself joined the village harmony very early on. Willem learned Greek and Latin, but was more fascinated by the guitar. Later he started composing melodies and set poems to music. CD. Mijn Vlaanderland – Willem Vermandere. LABEL: Universal 00731451853623 (1995). Philips 5185362. VIDEO
5- Les violons de Bruxelles.
A Flemish cabaret artist, writer, poet, sculptor, philosopher of life, singer, guitarist, bass clarinetist and painter. He invariably sings in his West Flemish dialect. He himself joined the village harmony very early on. Willem learned Greek and Latin, but was more fascinated by the guitar. Later he started composing melodies and set poems to music. CD. Les Violons de Bruxelles. LABEL: Home Records (2012), 4446093. VIDEO
6- Jacques Brel.
The most famous singer of the French song was a Belgian, because Jacques Brel was born in the Brussels working-class district of Schaerbeek. From 1950 he had some minor success in Belgium, but in 1954 he decided to take the step to Paris. There he became the most famous singer of his time, who was especially notable for his direct lyrics and passionate recitation, especially with the song Ne Me Quitte Pas. CD. The 24 greatest successes – Jacques Brel. LABEL: Polydor Records (1988), code: 8372 972. VIDEO
7- Wouter Vandenabeele.
Warm melodies that sometimes tend to be classical, but you always hear the ‘world’ through them. Melancholy for a good glass in the late evening, or in the silence of Sunday morning. Chansons pour le temps qui reste is the last album in a trilogy of Chanson albums. No vocals this time, Vandenabeele takes over that role on his violin. CD. Chansons pour le temps qui reste – Wouter Vandenabeele. LABEL: Home Records (2015), code: 4446142. VIDEO
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