I was born in Brussels. My early musical education took place in two magical places: my mother’s record store Music Inn, and the Brussels Jazz Club located on Brussels’ magnificent Grand’ Place. There I was able to hear, approach and interact with some of my idols, including Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Ray Brown, Ed Thigpen, Chet Baker, Toots Thielemans, Peter Herbolzheimer’s Big Band, Philly Joe Jones (who’s drums I helped set up), Tal Farlow (who broke my amplifier), Stéphane Grapelli, Kirk Lightsey, NHOP, Phil Woods with Tom Harrell, and many more. It was my home away from home. It was also there that I gave my first important performances. When the BJC closed, I thought I’d never find another place like that. I was wrong. When I first moved to Berlin, almost 17 years ago, I lived across the street from the A-Trane, and it became my second home here. I was so happy to find this cozy venue, with great sound quality, where I could hear fantastic music every night, and also keep my own musical adventures going. Over the years, A-Trane became the most important jazz venue in Berlin and its reputation soon passed the borders. Sedal Sardan’s fresh approach and influence confirmed the importance of A-Trane. Besides continuing the club’s traditional high quality standards, Sedal found ways to bring to its stage international masters whom one usually only can hear in large concert halls in Europe (Herbie Hancock, Ray Brown, Diana Krall, Lee Ritenour, Joe Sample and Randy Crawford, …). At the same time, he opened his stage to the young and talented Berlin scene, creating a convivial atmosphere, a place where one could create honest art and share it with an attentive audience.

I am always delighted to perform at A-Trane, where I can feel the warmth and attention of everyone in the room from the stage. It is with great pleasure that I will participate in its 20th Anniversary celebration. Thank you Sedal, and Long Live the A-Trane!
JP