Rotterdam Ska-Jazz Foundation

In an era of overproduced Pop and electronic DJ superstars, the Rotterdam Ska-Jazz Foundation (RSJF) keeps it real. Taking the music of the sixties as a starting point, they start where others have left. But be careful! The Rotterdam Ska-Jazz Foundation is NOT a retro band in any perspective. Armed with drums, bass, guitar, piano, organs, and a wide range of horns, the Rotterdam Ska-Jazz Foundation has been refining their mix of Ska, Jazz, Rock-Steady, Reggae and Soul over the past seven years.

The idea of forming a Ska-Jazz band started when Arjen Bijleveld and Dimitri 'Dim' Jeltsema met each other again at a party in Rotterdam in 1999, where they spend the evening reviewing their musical past and future. In the early 90's they used to play together in 'The Obnoxious', a band famous at that time for its loud music and attitude. Young as they were, each went their own way. Arjen went into business and Dim ended up playing drums in the uptempo ska band 'Let's Quit', where he met bass player Michael 'MOK' Kragt. After a while, Michael and Dim decided to put honor to the bands name and started their own musical adventure. Finally, all came together and the foundation for the Foundation was created.

Now, over half a decade later, the Rotterdam Ska-Jazz Foundation has recorded an EP single and two fulllength studio albums. All released on the Grover Records (Germany). Their latest album 'Sunwalk' is recorded by Max Bolleman at his famous Studio 44 in Monster, and is recently also released in the United States by Megalith Records. Furthermore, their music appears on various sampler CD's and LP's throughout the world. However, the best way to experience this lubricated off-beat locomotive is live on stage. Let the intricate melodies and harmonies of the horns and the steady grooves of the rhythm section seep into your system. Rocking Ska-Jazz with a rough edge. Check out this Motiv Loco live! The RSJF hits the road pretty constantly and played on big Dutch festivals like Bevrijdingsfestivals, Metropolis, Oerol, Noorderzon and the Parade, as well as major International festivals like Summer Jam, Popkomm, Three Floors of Ska at the Knitting Factory NYC, and many other, festival or venue, varying from big to small, in e.g. The Netherlands, Germany, France, Hungary, Denmark, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, United States, Latvia, Poland, Lithuania, Russia and will most likely play in your neighborhood soon! Don't worry about a language barrier, let the music of the Rotterdam Ska-Jazz Foundation do the talking. . .

Musicians:
Arjen Bijleveld - Trombone, Sousaphone, Percussion
Sybren Bijleveld - Flute, Clarinet, and Saxophones
Teus Nobel - Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Jeroen van Tongeren - Guitar
Merijn vd Wijdeven - Electric and Acoustic Bass
Hidde Wijga - Piano and Organ
Dimitri Jeltsema - Drums