As early as his childhood, Jan Deckers was introduced to music.Playing clarinet in the local brass band, and guitar in a regional band led him to the Maastricht conservatory.He develops a large interest in composing and improvising , which drove him to the former West-Berlin. Here the technique and art of improvisation is even further perfected and what follows is a decade full of performances with bands and ensembles of a most various make-up.He worked with/for Simone Reifegerste, Giora Feidman, Kazbek, Allen Bern, Else Nabu, Nicolaus Timm, Ulrike Ottinger, Ian Melrose, Peter Kern, John Bröcheler, Le Yi Zhang and many other artists.
Slowly but surely forming the diverse palette of form, rhythm, harmony and melody he uses to paint his compositions.His sources of inspiration are as diverse as the movements. Studying J.S. Bach’s composing technique for years, John Coltrane’s and Buddy de Franco’s improvising techniques, Joni Mitchell’s art of songwriting and a deep admiration for Egberto Gismonti’s versatility give a rough outline. His knowledge of the past leaves him standing firmly in the 21st century.
Jan Deckers, guitarist, clarinetist, composer, arranger and artpainter
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Netherlands