Pianist and composer Fred Van Hove (°1937) was involved in the Big Bang of European free improvisation (Machine Gun by the Peter Brötzmann Octet), but also became one of Europe’s finest and most underestimated improvisers. Mostly known for his 70’s trio with Brötzmann and Han Bennink, Van Hove’s trajectory over the past 4 decades has been one of the brilliant, but unsung stories of the music. The new Dropa Disc release Fred Van Hove At 80 is an effort to rectify this imbalance and give some credit where it’s due. Combining three sublime concerts that were recorded in 2017 with a 80-page hardcover book containing a rich, extended essay by Hugo de Craen and beautiful photos from the year in which the celebrations took place, Fred Van Hove At 80 is a much-needed document that no serious lover of the music can afford to miss.
credits
released September 10, 2019
DROPA DISC #006
3 x CD/BOOK – Edition of 300
FRED VAN HOVE AT 80
Release: Sep 2019 – shipping as of Sept. 10th 2019
MUSIC
CD 1 – FRED VAN HOVE – EVAN PARKER – HAMID DRAKE
Recorded by Michael Huon at deSingel, Antwerp 4 February 2017
Edited & Mixed by Michael Huon and Koen Vandenhoudt, Brussels 2018
Mastered by Michael Huon, Brussels 2018
Live concert produced by Sound in Motion & deSingel/Jerry Aerts
CD 2 – FRED VAN HOVE SOLO PIANO
Recorded by Michael Huon at NONA, Mechelen 1 April 2017
Edited & Mixed by Michael Huon and Koen Vandenhoudt, Brussels 2018
Mastered by Michael Huon, Brussels 2018
Live concert produced by NONA/Bart Vanvoorden
CD 3 – FRED VAN HOVE SOLO ORGAN
Recorded by Michael Huon at BOZAR, Brussels 13 December 2017
Edited & Mixed by Michael Huon and Koen Vandenhoudt, Brussels 2018
Mastered by Michael Huon, Brussels 2018
Live concert produced by BOZAR/Roel Vanhoeck
WORDS
Joachim Ceulemans – Hugo de Craen
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Pascal Cools
PICTURES
Geert Vandepoele – Hans van der Linden – Cees van de Ven
Produced by Sound in Motion vzw
Executive Producers: Christel Kumpen & Koen Vandenhoudt
supported by 9 fans who also own “Fred Van Hove at 80 - SOLD OUT !”
Not your average free improv blow-out, this is lyrical, inventive & intelligent. Mellow and beautiful enough to appeal to a wide range of ears. The recording is fantastic with a lovely room ambience. Rory C