Aki

Aki is a jazz collective led by drummer Anke Verslype, the core of the group also including guitarist Willem Heylen, bassist Ruben De Maesschalck, and harpist Marjolein Vernimmen. Their music explores uncomplicated melodies and warm waves of melancholy, all the while allowing improvisation to seep into the interplay and gently impact the way in which their ideas co-exist. As such, aki creates the kind of jazz existing near the axis of alluring cinematic imagery, nostalgia and minimalism.

With two previous EPs, Warme Dagen and Niobe, aki already struck a chord in the scene. In the fall of 2022, they surprised audiences with their first full-length Nader, released on the W.E.R.F.-label. This album featured an inspired collaboration with Joachim Badenhorst on clarinet, adding a new dimension to their sound. For their upcoming album and tour, aki once again joins forces with Joachim Badenhorst and invites Niels Van Heertum (euphonium) as an extra guest, further enriching the color palette of their slowly addictive sound and music.

Musicians:

  • Willem Heylen (guitar)
  • Anke Verslype (drums)
  • Marjolein Vernimmen (harp)
  • Ruben De Maesschalck (bass)
  • Joachim badenhost (reeds)
  • Niels Van Heertum (euphonium)

Access is exclusively available to conference ticket holders.