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INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS JAZZ & POP Agog, the Netherlands/ Germany, 2010 | Agog, the Netherlands/ Germany, 2010 |
 Tour Dates
Tour Dates: 3 June - 14 June, 2010 “...dreamy soundscapes and steaming funk, it all sounds equaly fresh and lively...” Frank Wingold - guitar Whatever meaning or qualification given to Agog, it is a unique group in the European jazz scene because of the expressive repertoire and the intensity of the performance. The trio started in September 2001 and since then they left their marks on the musical landscape. Both the audience and the press were very positive about their first CD ‘Shortcuts to Detours’ (TryTone 008). In July 2002 they won the Dutch Jazz Competition and from that time on they have been performing at home and abroad. From the very beginning Agog presented itself as a pioneering and equal trio. Raw rock can be followed by whispering ballads without making a parody of genres. Agog is not a typical guitar trio but a mini orchestra, which uses the group sound and the unique chemistry between the musicians to its full potential. Agog with Strings - Besides their work as a trio, Agog also initiates projects with guests: their 2nd album ‘Meltdown’ features collaboration with the Zapp String Quartet. This critically acclaimed CD, which was produced by Radio Netherlands, got released in May 2004 on Jazz in Motion/Challenge. They toured extensively with this project between 2004 and 2007. Agog plays Radiohead - In 2006 Agog asked saxophonist Jasper Blom and the Belgium Fender Rhodes wizard Jozef Dumoulin to put together a new program based on the music of Radiohead. Some Frump Punk - In 2007 they started working on their new CD. With a completely renewed repertoire written by Frank and Mark, they started searching for a more melodic and pop like sound without loosing the experimental character the group always had. After a long process they released their new CDon TryTone records in September 2008. Started playing the guitar at the age of nine. After private lessons in different styles he studied jazz and classical guitar from 1988 till 1993 at the renowned ‘Amsterdam school of the Arts’ in The Netherlands. Now he lives in Cologne/Germany as an active bandleader and sideman. His influences are the classical guitar-repertoire of the 20th century, jazz and improvised music, the rock history, electronic music and the music of Eastern Europe and the Orient. He combines classical and jazz/rock-orientated techniques on acoustic and electric guitars to realize his own language of sound for both improvisation and composition. Among other projects he is member of the band UNDERKARL, one of the most famous young ensembles in Europe. They played at the Jazzfest Berlin 1997. Frank tours regularly all over Europe and abroad.
He started drumming when he was seven years old. Later on he studied at the conservatory in Hilversum where he graduated in 1991. During his studies he went to Senegal (West Africa) to take lessons in African Percussion with the legendary DuDu and Ali un D´Aya Rose. His knowledge and mastering of many musical styles ranging from African ethnical music to pop, jazz and modern classical music make him a versatile musician. But what makes him outstanding is his ability to become one with the other musicians and participate in the melodic and harmonic developments as well as performing his rhythmical function. He has toured in more than 20 countries including China, Canada, Australia, The Middle East and Georgia (USSR).
He studied bass guitar and double bass at the Conservatory of Hilversum. He graduated cum laude September 1997 with an honorable mention for composition. From 1995 untill 1999 he studied with composer Rafael Reina at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. Over the last couple of years, Mark Haanstra works in the improvised and jazz field as well in the contemporary classical field. He is seeking for a personal style which combines influences from all these. He has performed in many countries including the USA, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, India and the Netherlands. He recorded several CDs with a wide variety of groups and artists.
“…the new Agog cd gives us new insights into the song culture. The guitar singing and the bass and drums are singing along with him…” “…even in their solos they stay close to the melodic starting point. It gives this cd an enormously strong unity…” “...dreamy soundscapes and steaming funk, it all sounds equaly fresh and lively...” “...catchy compositions full of unexpected turns...” “...a chance for listeners from any kind to expand their imagination a few kilometers with truly original music...” “...imaginative, clear and intense music...”  For booking inquiry please contact: Mr. Ma Ran
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