The music of saxophonist and composer Jorrit Dijkstra (Netherlands, 1966) draws from the jazz tradition in spirit and sound; but has crossed stylistic and cultural borders in order to express a strong, ever evolving personal vision. He spent his formative years in Amsterdam’s vibrant improvisation community playing jazz, free improvisation, and world music. Since moving to the United States in 2002, Dijkstra has deepened his affinity with the experimental forces of American music.
Recent projects include his quintet BLINK, Cutout, The Porch Trio, the large ensembles PorchBone and Bathysphere in Boston, his Solo project with electronics, and his sextet The Whammies play the Music of Steve Lacy. In 2009 he received the composition commission from the North Sea Jazz Festival for his nonet Pillow Circles. Dijkstra uses the Lyricon – a vintage electronic wind instrument from the 1970’s – extending his musical palette in both his improvisations and compositions. He has released over twenty CDs as a leader, and has participated in projects ranging from Anthony Braxton’s Ghost Trance, and Guus Janssen’s opera Noach, to a rare performance of Texas outsider musician Jandek.
Dijkstra studied improvisation and composition with Misha Mengelberg, Steve Coleman, Steve Lacy, Bob Brookmeyer and Lee Hyla. He received a Fullbright grant to study at the New England Conservatory. He is co-founder of the artist-run label Driff Records and organizer of the annual Driff Festival in Cambridge, MA.