Astronotes

Astronotes is a 10-piece improvisation group playing original compositions by band leader and trombonist Joost Buis. His pieces are based on compact musical ideas which serve as launch pads for improvisations.

Important musical influences are band leaders Duke Ellington and Sun Ra; it's no coincidence that Astronotes' line up is comparable to an Ellington 'small band' or the early Sun Ra Arkestra.

The result is a varied mix of exotic grooves, whimsical arrangements, soloistic fireworks and delicate sound sculptures.

Highlights:

1996: Two concerts in Zaal 100 featuring trombonist Roswell Rudd.
2001: The Empty Bottle Festival in Chicago presents the Jet-Set Astronotes, an international version of the band with Wilbert de Joode, Ken Vandermark, Jeb Bishop, Peter van Bergen and featuring original Arkestra-member Art Hoyle on trumpet.
2003: 'Astronotes in April', a series of four weekly concerts in the Amsterdam Bimhuis featuring guests like Misha Mengelberg, Ab Baars, Jaap Blonk and Bart Maris.
2004: Presentation of the cd 'Joost Buis - Astronotes' which has been very well received in both the national and international press.
2005: 'Zoomin', a new program commissioned by the VPRO radio was presented on the SJU-jazzfestival in Vredenburg, Utrecht. The concert was broadcasted live on VPRO radio.
2006: Canada Tour, playing festivals in Ottawa, Toronto, Montréal, Edmonton and Vancouver. Astronotes also played the Brugge festival in Belgium, the concert was broadcasted on BRT radio.
2010: Release of the second CD 'Zoomin'.

CD reviews:

Astronotes has its own ensemble personality, developed over a decade of frequent gigs. Where other leaders rush under-ripe bands into the studio, Buis waited until the lineup had been fully tweaked, the concept fine-tuned, and the pieces developed to let their facets and the players shine.
(Kevin Whitehead in AV guide)

Buis and his band play quite convincingly, not only when they extend ideas from the written page, but also when they innovate at the instant. There is a sense of fun imparted to several of the tunes, a zest and vitality that grabs right away.
(Jerry D'Souza on allaboutjazz.com)

... swooning passages of swing that would melt the heart of any Ellington admirer...
(Aaron Steinberg in Jazz Times)

Fabulous arranged/improv'd jazz with that Dutch character, minus the silliness that sometimes accompanies it, but not without an uplifting vibe throughout. Very good recording and production job also.
(Gary Sisco on jazzcornertalk)