FNUSSJEN
FNUSSJEN is the brainchild of drummer/percussionist Nicolas Chkifi. In this band, he brought together some extraordinary musicians in an unusual lineup: harpist Ann Eysermans, violinist Ananta Roosens, pianist Christian Mendoza, and himself on the drums. Their music, with a meditative character, sometimes folkloric and contemporary, is a sequence of miniature compositions by Nicolas Chkifi, linked together by adventurous improvisations.
The tempo is lowered, allowing the listeners to immerse themselves completely in a delicate blend of spiritual chamber music, healing music and jazz.
Through its surprising experimental and original orchestration, FNUSSJEN produces a unique and intriguing sound that, in its inherent tranquility, seems to want to break away from the dystopian aspects of our world.
It offers a peaceful aesthetic, at times reminiscent of Arve Henriksen, Thomas Stronen, and other artists on ECM Records.
Cleverly, despite its meditative nature, their sound never becomes predictable. Chfiki plays with some
Scandinavian influences, but never drags them out to the point of direct reference. With capricious percussion, spirited piano plucking and acapella vocals, the album slowly weaves a ritual for the listener to experience.
NIMA
NIMA brings together saxophone player Mathieu Robert and drummer Nicolas Chkifi.
Both of them are composers and improvisers.
Together they create music that transcends the genres with simplicity, purity, and always with a warm acoustic sound.
REMPIS / CHKIFI
Dave Rempis and Nicolas Chkifi met during a week-long residency organized by Sound In Motion in Antwerp in April 2023 featuring Spectral - the longstanding American horn trio of Larry Ochs, Darren Johnston, and Rempis - joining the brilliant European trio of Marta Warelis, Hugo Antunes and Nicolas Chkifi. Following that successful collaboration, Rempis and Chkifi decided to explore their common interests and languages further, embarking on a new duo to explore their shared interest in both West African music and improvisation.
Their first album called "Aula" came out in Januari 2025 on Aerophonic Records.
Dave Rempis is one of the most renowned saxophonists in Chicago and the American improvised music scene, known for his many bands like Rempis Percussion Quartet, Ballister, and Kuzu. He combines a powerful sound, phenomenal technique, and an infectious joy of being on stage.
MOTIAN LOVE
Motian Love is a brand new quintet dedicated to the music of the great drummer and composer Paul Motian. The quintet brings together the finest musicians of the jazz and improvised music scenes of Belgium from different generations.
Motian Love's band sound also resonates with the legendary trio consisting of Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell, and Paul Motian himself.
It's the same bassless lineup but cleverly doubles the tenor saxes and guitars allowing the creation of rich melodies and harmonies.
Motian Love will record his debut album in March 2024 for Ramble Records.
LANIAKEA
LANIAKEA is Jeroen van Herzeele on tenor & soprano saxophones, Ewi and Modulars, Jozef Dumoulin on Fender Rhodes and FX (From December 2022) and Nicolas Chkifi on drums & percussions.
They drink divine Chinese tea, they talk about yoga, kung-fu and laugh a lot.
They walk down, connect, listen, and play!
Laniakea is a Hawaiian word that means "immense heaven".
It's a supercluster of galaxies.
This inspires them for their instant compositions".
E. M. A.
E.M.A. means Ensemble de Musique Acoustique and is born from the desire to experiment with graphic scores into a larger ensemble.
The drums are in the center like the trunk of a tree, then below you have the strings trio being the roots of the tree, and above you have the winds trio flying high in the unlimited skies.
E.M.A brings together the finest musicians from the rich Belgium jazz improv scene.
4 Circles
Because it includes a part of unexplained in its manifestations, like telepathy or presentiment, intuition confronts us with a vision of the world, oscillating between rational and irrational, logical and mysterious, determined and moving.
It is by working on these concepts that 4Circles presents fresh, interesting music combining compositions and improvisations.
JNK Trio
JNK is the new collaboration between the Italo-American reeds player Jan Rzewski, French double bass player Kevin Ambrogi and Belgium drummer Nicolas Chkifi.
JNK has recorded his debut album called "First meeting".
The music is a mix between free improvisations and compositions from each member of the band.
Exciting and always on the edge!
TASSIN/CHKIFI
New explosive duet with the super active guitarist Julien Tassin who here enters in resonance with versatile drummer Nico Chkifi to explore new territories.
Musical dialogues made of colors and chaotic sounds in the service of a music at the border of jazz, free improv rock, experimental, soundscape and noise.
SUPERNOVA
Supernova is a new international group of four musicians well known in the jazz and improvised music scene.
In this quartet they pay tribute to saxophone legends such as Albert Ayler, Pharoah Sanders, Ornette Coleman, Archie Shepp, etc.
What was originally a sax-bass-drums trio has been expanded several times by adding an extra guest. Pianist Seppe Gebruers was a perfect fit for the trio of John Dikeman, Nicolas Chkifi and Hugo Antunes.