About the New Manhattan Big Band

The New Manhattan Big Band, founded in 1991, owes its name to the then construction plans of the municipality of Amersfoort, which wanted to transform the city into a "new Manhattan on the Eem". The American allure must have inspired the big band in its development. How different the American style of the ensemble can be explained, the courage to take on challenges! Expect the NMBB, for example, not only Count Basie and Duke Ellington - even though they also play that music with verve. In the band's repertoire we find soundtracks from films, pop songs from artists such as Norah Jones, Michael Buble and Caro Emerald, and wonderfully soggy funk in the form of Tutu from the Miles Davis album of the same name. In short, the NMBB is always looking for adventure.

But what makes the NMBB so special is that the band members, although from person to person perhaps average Dutch-sober, can release the brakes at the right moment to create compelling music, music that swings and also moves from time to time. Especially when the band forms a sublime unit to guide its guest soloists. In the past they were diverse artists such as singer Gail Pettis, vibraphonist Tjaco Oostdijk, rapper Diggy Dex and, in the more recent past, percussionist Danique Kos - although you can also say that she accompanied the NMBB.

The organizations below provide financial support to the NMBB:

Municipality of Amersfoort

Mien van 't Sant foundation