Oker: Torstein Lavik Larsen – Adrian Fiskum Myhr – Fredrik Rasten – Jan Martin Gismervik

Oker is an acoustic quartet consisting of Torstein Lavik Larsen (trumpet), Adrian Fiskum Myhr (double bass), Fredrik Rasten (acoustic guitar) and Jan Martin Gismervik (drums, percussion). The focus of the ensemble is on the amalgamation of improvised and composed modes of expression. Their music combines fine-tuned tonalities, deconstructed grooves, acoustic noise and other sonic events, taking their rather conventional instrumentation as a point of departure. Textures in gradual change coexisting with responsive and spontaneous gestures create a varied but coherent musical ecosystem which can be airy or dense, dry or blooming. A certain minimalist or stoic approach to sound production is an overarching and recurring element in all of Oker’s music, differentiating their sound from the majority of music in the field of improvised music or free jazz. Since 2018 they have released two albums: ‘Husene våre er museer‘ on Sofa Records and ‘Susurrus‘ on the Shhpuma label.

Cel Overberghe & Adia Vanheerentals

Visual artist, poet and saxophonist Cel Overberghe (b. 1937) is a pioneer of free jazz and free improvisation in Belgium. He can be heard on several recordings with Fred Van Hove and was closely involved with the Werkgroep Improviserende Musici (WIM). In his long career, he also played other styles such as swing and bebop, including concerts alongside the illustrious Antwerp saxophonist Jack Sels. Overberghe recently gave a wonderful concert in duo with the legendary American saxophonist Joe McPhee in Bruges.

In Rataplan he will play together with Adia Vanheerentals (1998) for the first time. This saxophonist and composer from Antwerp is active in various disciplines, played with several jazz and brass bands such as Klinck Trio, Fanfaar Fatal and The Blue Heathens Jazz Band. She herself founded the bands Bodem (with Anke Verlsype and Willem Malfliet), Vanheerentals/Lasure/Beeackaert and Waarlijk. She was also asked as co-performer and composer for the dance production ‘Change Of Plans’ by Femke Gyselinck. In 2024, she will be one of Klara’s ‘Twintigers’.