Mo van der Does 'Motet'
Motet is a young band of seven musicians led by alto saxophonist & composer Mo van der Does, based in Amsterdam. The group consists of some of the most promising jazz musicians in the Netherlands. With the force of a big band but the flexibility of a small group, they explore the world of improvisation, the orchestration & composition inspired by artists such as Charles Mingus, Ambrose Akinmusire & Maurice Ravel. Their long social & musical friendship enables the band members to trust each other as they delve together into the depths.
Its musical universe is marked by melancholic melodies and fierce grooves, where intimate passages are followed by almost orchestral outbursts. The debut album Motet came about as a result of a compostion assignment from Bimhuis of Amsterdam and winning the prize “Keep an Eye: the Records”. It was released in January 2022 on Dox records and was celebrated with a tour through venues such as Bimhuis, Lantarenvenster, InJazz and the North Sea Jazz Festival.
“Its sophisticated melodies, graceful harmonies & clever arrangements go to make Motet’s music refined. So much so that it is hard to imagine that the leader of the ensemble Mo van der Does is only 25 years old. Nevertheless, the most beautiful thing of all is that the saxophonist and the members of his band play with a lot of fire inside.” (Trouw, Dutch national newspaper).
“The alto saxophonist Mo van der Does is one of the biggest talents of the new generation of jazz. (…) Whereas his first album ‘Common Myths’ was a strong debut, w: ith ‘Motet‘ he adds another dimension because of the incredible compositions by the leader.” (JazzEnzo Jazz Magazine).
“Only eight compositions are necessary for this saxophonist/clarinetist to keep the attention of the listener for… for what? Well, for sure for pure hearing pleasure, brought about by an accumulation of musical creativity, much knowledge of the material and experienced craftsmanship by the seven band members. With that, much has been said, but not all: the listener is also immersed in a continuous stream of pure surprises, that come at you from all sides”. (JazzNu.com).
- Line-Up:
- Mo van der Does – alto saxophone, clarinet, compositions
- Jessie Brevé – bass clarinet
- Alistair Payne – trumpet
- Matthias van den Brande – tenor saxophone
- Floris Kappeyne – piano
- Tijs Klaassen – double bass
- Wouter Kühne – drums
