Saxophonist and composer Kika Sprangers (1994) her music balances on a fine line between a person’s vulnerability and strength. A vision to combine the two, shared musically through a love for unorthodox instrumentation and tension arcs meant for symphonic passages or a heavy silence. Music that will force you to hold your breath until told to breathe again.

Her artistic quest revolves around what makes us human. Her debut album “Human Traits” (2019) literally connects the human portrait to music in a collaboration with photographer Karen van Gilst, presenting illustrative music presented by the Kika Sprangers Large Ensemble. Kika Sprangers: “If you dare to look someone in the eyes, that’s when you truly meet someone. You look into someone’s soul, their character.”

With the Kika Sprangers Quintet they seamlessly blend wordless vocals with saxophone, supported by a rich, dynamic rhythm section. Colouring Kika’s narrative compositions, intentionally unstructured and unexpected, pulling at the audience’s anticipations. Her style automatically and deceptively drags you along, yet remains unpredictable. Jazz music that sweeps from silence to symphonic proportions without resulting in kitschy cliches.

In the Netherlands, she is long recognized as one of the finest young talents in contemporary jazz, receiving numerous awards for her work as a composer and bandleader. She was awarded the Rogier van Otterloo Award 2021 as an upcoming composer and is currently residing at the TivoliVredenburg Utrecht as their 2-year artist-in-residence (Dutch Performing Arts ‘New Makers’ program).

The new album “Mind’s Eye” was be released in March 2022.

“Kika Sprangers tells a story like only the utmost promising artists can.” - Volkskrant 4****stars

“An enchantingly beautiful concert” - NRC Handelsblad 5*****stars

“Such intense spherical jazz sounds are simply meant to be listened to, which I hereby warmly recommend.” - Jazzthetik 5***** stars

“Musical adventurer Kika Sprangers is showing strong growth and maturity as a musician” - All About Jazz

GROUP MEMBERS

KIKA SPRANGERS - saxophone | ANNA SERIERSE - vocal   |   KOEN SCHALKWIJK - piano and wurlitzer | WILLIAM BARRETT - bass | WILLEM ROMERS - drums

Kika Sprangers

www.kikasprangers.com / facebook / instagram

Territory: non-exclusive

‘An ode to the imagination’

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