Michel Herr will write the 13 arrangements for a 2012 project of Swiss pianist/composer Thierry Lang (who recorded a.o. for Blue Note), titled "Colors of time" and featuring 4 jazzmen (Thierry Lang on piano, David Linx on vocals, Matthieu Michel on trumpet and Heiri Känzig on bass) + the strings of the "Ensemble de Chambre Fribourgeois" and the "Accroche-Choeur", a large choir from Fribourg (CH) conducted by Jean-Claude Fasel. Michel has started to write the first 3 arrangements on Thierry Lang's compositions. (Nov. 19, 2010).
|
Oct. 26, 2010 : Michel Herr receives the "Muse" of Sabam During a tribute evening, Michel Herr has received the "Muse" of Sabam (the Belgian Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers) for the achievements of his musical career and his investment in the support of author's rights. In the presence of many major jazz figures from Belgium (Toots Thielemans, Philip Catherine, Steve Houben, Charles Loos etc...), a quartet composed of pianist Ivan Paduart, trombonist Phil Abraham, bassist Philippe Aerts and drummer Mimi Verderame played a selection of Michel's compositions. See some photos of the evening and coverage of the event in the Sabam Magazine. (Oct. 26, 2010). |
October 2010 : the Ivan Paduart Quintet plays music by Michel Herr
Currently on tour, the quintet of pianist Ivan Paduart has included some pieces by Michel Herr in his repertoire. The quintet is composed of Toon Roos (sax, NL), Carlo Nardozza (tp, B), Philippe Aerts (bass, B) and Joost Van Schaik (drs, NL). (Oct. 25, 2010).
 Click to enlarge |
Oct. 23, 2010 : Michel Herr participated in the Da Romeo & Friends special evening During the "Festival des Libertés", on October 23 (21:00) at the Theatre National in Brussels, electric bassist and bandleader Daniel Romeo (jazz-funk) has presentend a special event, an amazing 3 hour set with numerous prestigious and international guests : Paco Sery, Dré Pallemaerts, Arnaud Renaville (drs), Rosario Giuliani, Christophe Panzani (sax), Stéphane Edouard, David Donatien (perc.), Alex Tassel (fluegelhorn), Yael Naïm (voc.), Eric Legnini, Bert Gielen (kb), Julien Tassin (gt), Hicham Bilali (Guembri), Africancuts Amamzulu (turntables). Michel Herr wrote several string arrangements and conducted a string quartet. (Oct. 24, 2010). |
Michel Herr has written an arrangement on Philip Catherine's "Pendulum"
On October 13, 2010, during the "Radio 1 sessies" (VRT), jazz & pop singer Lady Linn and her band will invite a.o guitarist Philip Catherine. He will play a brand new arrangement that Michel Herr wrote especially for the occasion, for an octet (with 4 horns), on Philip's composition "Pendulum". (Sept. 29, 2010).
Michel Herr has just completed a big band arrangement for trombonist Phil Abraham
Belgian trombone virtuoso Phil Abraham asked Michel Herr to write an arrangement on his composition "Autumn in Forest". The chart will feature the trombonist as a soloist and will be performed by him and various big bands, in France and other European countries.
(Sept. 18, 2010).
Sept. 11, the tribute to Belgian jazz, a 2 hour concert, a success
On Sept. 11, 2010, during the Saint-Jazz-ten-Noode Festival in Brussels, Michel Herr was the musical director and arranger of a special project, which saw 25 young Belgian jazzmen play pieces by musicians of the previous generation (Philip Catherine, Steve Houben, Phil Abraham, Marc Moulin, Diederik Wissels, Jean-Pierre Catoul, Paolo Radoni, Peter Hertmans, Pierre Van Dormael etc ... and himself). The concert was a resounding success and Michel was the center of media attention, with interviews in the press, radio and television. (Sept. 12, 2010).
Sept. 8, 2010 & podcast : Michel Herr in RTBF "Jazz" radio show
On September 8 (18:10), Michel Herr will briefly be Philippe Baron's guest during his radio show "Jazz" on RTBF radio Musiq3 about his work as an arranger for the tribute to Belgian jazz project which will take place on September 11 (see below). You can listen to the podcast (in French) in the following days HERE. (Sept. 3, 2010).
Michel Herr arranging a tribute to Belgian jazz
Michel Herr is currently working on a commission from the Saint-Jazz-ten-Noode Festival in Brussels, which celebrates its 25th anniversary. He is busy arranging some 13 pieces by established Belgian jazz figures (Philip Catherine, Steve Houben, Phil Abraham, Marc Moulin, Diederik Wissels, Jean-Pierre Catoul, Paolo Radoni, Peter Hertmans, Pierre Van Dormael etc ... and himself) to be played by 25 younger musicians in various combinations on September 11, 2010 (18:00) during a 2 hour concert at the festival. (July 5, 2010).
June 14, 2010 : the "Octaves de la Musique" (B) award 2010 (jazz) goes to "Radoni's Tribe", arranged and produced by Michel Herr
 |
In a special evening co-organized by Sabam, RTL and the Mediathèque, the band "Radoni's Tribe" won the "Octaves de la Musique" award 2010 (B) in the jazz category. Michel Herr was the musical director and arranger of their album "Radoni's Tribe : Let me hear a simple song" (Mogno J033). "Radoni's Tribe" is a septet which pays a tribute to the music of the late guitarist Paolo Radoni, and is composed of Gino Lattuca (tp), Ben Sluijs (alto sax & flute), Paolo Loveri (guitar), Charles Loos (p), Bart De Nolf (bass), Bruno Castellucci (drums) and Chrystel Wautier (vocals). (June 14, 2010). |
June 9, 2010 & podcast : Michel Herr in RTBF "Jazz" radio show
On June 9 (18:10), Michel Herr was Philippe Baron's guest during his radio show "Jazz" on RTBF radio Musiq3 about his work as an arranger on the album Crush of Ivan Paduart with the Metropole Orchestra. You can listen to the podcast (in French) in the following days HERE (June 9, 2010).
Nominated for the "Octaves de la Musique" (B) 2010 : "Radoni's Tribe", which plays arrangements by Michel Herr
The band "Radoni's Tribe", a septet which pays a tribute to the music of the late guitarist Paolo Radoni, is among the nominees in the jazz category of the 2010 edition of the Octaves de la Musique in Belgium. "Radoni's Tribe" is composed of Gino Lattuca (tp), Ben Sluijs (alto sax & flute), Paolo Loveri (guitar), Charles Loos (p), Bart De Nolf (bass), Bruno Castellucci (drums) and Chrystel Wautier (vocals). Michel Herr was the musical director and arranger of their album "Radoni's Tribe : Let me hear a simple song" (Mogno J033). The awards will be announced at the Espace Magh, 17 rue du Poinçon in Brussels on June 14, 2010 (19:30). (May 26, 2010).
May 7, 2010 : the Fabrice Alleman Quartet + chamber orchestra, arranged by Michel Herr at the "Jazz à Liège" Festival
Another opportunity to listen to the arrangements Michel Herr wrote for the new quartet of saxophonist Fabrice Alleman and the 25 musicians of the chamber ensemble "La Chapelle Musicale de Tournai" : they will play on May 7, 2010 (20:15) at the "Jazz à Liège" Festival, in the Palais des Congrès in Liège (B). (April 15, 2010).
March 2010 : new double cd of Ivan Paduart and the Metropole Orchestra, with 6 arrangements by Michel Herr : "Crush"
 | Just released on the German label "Mons Records", the new double cd Crush contains the recordings made in December 2008 during the memorable concert given in Brussels (B) by pianist and composer Ivan Paduart, with Fay Claassen (vocals, NL), Bob Malach (tenor sax, USA) and the Metropole Orchestra (NL), a 55 piece orchestra conducted by Jim McNeely (USA). Michel Herr wrote 6 arrangements for this beautiful project. Don't miss this album ! (to purchase a copy, write to the following email address). (March 15, 2010). |
March/April 2010 : tour of the band "Radoni's Tribe", which plays arrangements by Michel Herr
Starting March 5, 2010, the band "Radoni's Tribe" will be on tour in Belgium. This septet pays a tribute to the music of the late guitarist Paolo Radoni, and Michel Herr wrote the arrangements. "Radoni's Tribe" is composed of Gino Lattuca (tp), Ben Sluijs (alto sax & flute), Paolo Loveri (guitar), Charles Loos (p), Bart De Nolf or Bas Cooymans (bass), Bruno Castellucci (drums) and Chrystel Wautier (vocals). They will play the music from the album "Radoni's Tribe : Let me hear a simple song" (Mogno J033).
For more details on the concert dates, visit the band's My Space. (March 1, 2010).
February 2010 : 3 successful concerts of the Fabrice Alleman Quartet + Chapelle Musicale de Tournai, arranged by Michel Herr
 | In the beginning of February 2010, 3 concerts combined the new quartet of saxophonist Fabrice Alleman with the 25 musicians of the chamber ensemble "La Chapelle Musicale de Tournai" (see details below). Michel wrote all the arrangements for this premiere, including on 2 of his own compositions. The concerts were a resounding success. See a photo of the soloists and 2 videos on the No-télé website with interviews (in French) and short musical samples : (February 6, 2010). |
The album of Ivan Paduart + Metropole Orchestra to be released in Germany. With 6 arrangements by Michel Herr
Good news : the German label Mons Records is going to release as a double album the recordings made in December 2008 during the memorable concert given in Brussels (B) by pianist and composer Ivan Paduart, with Fay Claassen (vocals, NL), Bob Malach (tenor sax, USA) and the Metropole Orchestra (NL), a 55 piece orchestra conducted by Jim McNeely (USA). Michel Herr wrote 6 arrangements for this exceptional project.
On February 1st, 2010, Michel and Ivan went to the Netherlands to start the mastering of the album, which should hopefully be released before the summer 2010. (February 2, 2010).
January 2010 : release of the cd "Bad Influence" of trumpet player Gino Lattuca, with "Last minute blues", composed by Michel Herr
 |
Now available in record stores and on the internet, the new cd Bad influence (Igloo) by trumpet player Gino Lattuca, featuring Philip Catherine (gt), with Bart De Nolf (bass) and Mimi Verderame (drs). The album includes a new composition by Michel Herr, especially written for the occasion and titled "Last minute blues". (Jan. 23, 2010). |
January 27, 2010 : Michel Herr and Fabrice Alleman in "Jazz", Philippe Baron's radio show (RTBF)
On January 27 (18:05), saxophonist Fabrice Alleman and Michel Herr will be the guests of Philippe Baron's radio show "Jazz" (RTBF radio Musiq3) to introduce the project and announce the concerts of the Fabrice Alleman Quartet with the chamber ensemble "La Chapelle Musicale de Tournai" (see details below). (January 21, 2010).
January 2010 : rehearsals for the concerts of the Fabrice Alleman Quartet + La Chapelle Musicale de Tournai
Michel Herr has supervised the rehearsals of his 5 arrangements (of which 2 are on his own compositions) for the concerts of the Fabrice Alleman Quartet with the chamber ensemble "La Chapelle Musicale de Tournai" (see details in the newsflash below, dated Dec. 20, 2009).
The concerts will take place : at the Maison de la Culture in Tournai (B) (Jan. 23, 2010), at the Ferme du Biéreau in Louvain-la-neuve (Feb. 4) and at Espace Senghor in Brussels (Feb. 5). (January 17, 2010).
January : preview : listen to the final mix of "Don't wanna waste more time" by N8n & Raw Soul, featuring Toots Thielemans
As a teaser for the album to be released in 2010 by N8n & Raw Soul (on EMI), you can listen to the final mix of the string arrangement that Michel Herr wrote, conducted and recorded, with the participation of Toots Thielemans (harmonica), on the song
"Don't wanna waste more time" (click to listen to it on the Reverbnation website). See also some photos taken during the session. (January 2, 2010).December 2009 : Michel Herr has completed the writing of 5 arrangements for the Fabrice Alleman Quartet and chamber orchestra
Michel Herr has completed the writing of five arrangements, three of compositions by the Belgian saxophonist Fabrice Alleman and two of his own compositions, which will combine the Fabrice Alleman quartet, composed of Vincent Bruyninckx (piano), Reggie Washington (bass) and Lionel Beuvens (drums) with the chamber music ensemble "La Chapelle Musicale de Tournai" conducted by Philippe Gérard.
The concerts will take place at the beginning of 2010 : at the Maison de la Culture in Tournai (B) (Jan. 23), at the Ferme du Biéreau in Louvain-la-neuve (Feb. 4) and at Espace Senghor in Brussels (Feb. 5). (Dec. 20, 2009).
Pre-release concert for the cd "Bad Influence" of trumpet player Gino Lattuca, with "Last minute blues", composed by Michel Herr
On December 18, 2009, at the Sounds in Brussels, a pre-release concert is taking place for the cd Bad influence (Igloo) by trumpet player Gino Lattuca, featuring Philip Catherine (gt), with Bart De Nolf (bass) and Mimi Verderame (drs). The album will be available in the shops in January 2010 and includes a new composition by Michel Herr, titled "Last minute blues".
(Dec. 18, 2009).
September 2009 : Michel Herr is currently writing for the Fabrice Alleman Quartet and the chamber orchestra "Chapelle Musicale de Tournai"
Michel Herr is currently writing several arrangements on compositions by the Belgian saxophonist Fabrice Alleman (with whom he worked for a long time as a pianist, a.o. for 2 cds). This ambitious project will combine Fabrice's quartet, composed of Vincent Bruyninckx (piano), Reggie Washington (bass) and Lionel Beuvens (drums) with the chamber music ensemble "La Chapelle Musicale de Tournai", an ensemble with strings, woodwinds, French horns and a harp.
Several concerts are scheduled for the beginning of 2010. Michel will also contribute with some of his own compositions, with a new one to be created on the occasion. (Sept. 24, 2009).
April 2009 : trumpet player Gino Lattuca records with Philip Catherine a piece by Michel Herr
On April 14, 2009, trumpet player Gino Lattuca was in the studio to record a quartet album as a leader, with Philip Catherine (gt), Bart De Nolf (bass) and Mimi Verderame (drs), to be released on the Igloo label in January 2010. They recorded a.o. a new piece by Michel Herr, titled "Last minute blues". (April 16, 2009).
April 3, 2009 : release of the cd "Radoni's Tribe", a tribute to the guitarist and composer Paolo Radoni
 | A release concert was organized on April 3, 2009 at the "Sounds" in Brussels (B) to mark the release, on the Mognomusic label (B), of the tribute cd to the late guitarist and composer Paolo Radoni, album for which Michel Herr acted as musical director and arranger. The band, named "Radoni's Tribe", includes Gino Lattuca (tp), Ben Sluijs (alto sax & flute), Paolo Loveri (guitar), Charles Loos (p), Bart De Nolf (double bass), Bruno Castellucci (drums), and several guests participated in the album : Philip Catherine and Peter Hertmans (gt), Chrystel Wautier & Christine Schaller (vocals), Alexandre Furnelle (double bass), Frank Wuyts (p), Denis Van Hecke (cello) and Fanny Wuyts (vocals). Michel supervised the session, brought 7 new arrangements and played the piano on 1 piece. See the album's page : "Radoni's Tribe : Let me hear a simple song" (Mogno J033). See some photos of the recording session. (April 4, 2009). |
On YouTube, more live videoclips of Ivan Paduart with the Metropole Orchestra playing arrangements by Michel Herr
 |
More videoclips of that magical concert at the Cirque Royal in Brussels on Dec. 12, 2008 are now available on Youtube, featuring arrangements by Michel Herr on Waterfalls and Another lifetime in addition to Life as it is, all performed by Ivan Paduart (piano), Fay Claassen (vocals), Bob Malach (tenor sax) and the Metropole Orchestra conducted by Jim McNeely. (March 28, 2009). |
February 2009 (15-21) : RTBF tv broadcasts a special "Hep Taxi" with a.o. a new composition by Michel Herr
RTBF television (B) has produced a special programme in its "Hep Taxi" series, focusing on Belgian jazz. Michel Herr wrote a piece for the occasion, titled "A hip taxi", played by Steve Houben (alto sax), Jean-Pol Estiévenart (tp), Nicolas Kummert (tenor sax), Pascal Mohy (p), Jean-Louis Rassinfosse (double bass) and Jérôme Baudart (drums). Other musicians who will appear in the programme are Philip Catherine (gt), Bert Joris (tp), Alexandre Cavaliere (vl), Quentin Liégeois (gt) and Mimi Verderame (drs, gt).
64 minutes of live music, archives and interviews. (See photo). Here are the dates :
(Feb. 7, 2009).
January 2009 : Michel Herr has mixed the Paolo Radoni tribute CD
On January 22, 2009, Michel Herr has completed the mix of the Paolo Radoni tribute cd, see details below. (January 24, 2009).
On YouTube, a live videoclip of Ivan Paduart with the Metropole Orchestra playing an arrangement by Michel Herr
If you missed that magical concert at the Cirque Royal in Brussels on December 12 2008, you can now listen to an excerpt thanks to a videoclip available on Youtube, which features one arrangement by Michel Herr on
Life as it is, with Ivan Paduart (piano), Fay Claassen (vocals), Bob Malach (tenor sax) and the Metropole Orchestra conducted by Jim McNeely. (January 12, 2009).January 2009 : final recording sessions for a Tribute to Paolo Radoni CD
In January 2009, Michel Herr went into the studio to complete a cd which will pay a tribute to the late guitarist Paolo Radoni, with the participation of Gino Lattuca (tp), Ben Sluijs (alto sax & flute), Paolo Loveri (guitar), Charles Loos (p), Bart De Nolf or Alexandre Furnelle (double bass), Bruno Castellucci (drums) + several guests : Philip Catherine & Peter Hertmans (gt), Chrystel Wautier & Christine Schaller (vocals), Frank Wuyts (p), Denis Van Hecke (cello) and Fanny Wuyts (vocals). Michel supervised the session as a musical director, brought 7 new arrangements and played the piano on 1 piece. The cd will be released this spring by Mognomusic records. See some photos of the recording session. (January 9, 2009).
December 2008 : the movie "Christmas in Paris" in the movie theaters
Starting Dec. 17, 2008 in the movie theaters, the Belgian movie "Christmas in Paris" (director : Hans Royaards) includes the song
"Don't wanna waste more time" (click to listen to it on the Reverbnation website), with a string arrangement arranged and conducted by Michel Herr, with N8n & Raw Soul + Toots Thielemans on the harmonica. The song is included on the CD of the soundtrack and is available as a download at (amazon.com). See three of photos taken during the recording session. (Dec. 21, 2008).December 12, 2008 : Ivan Paduart and the Metropole Orchestra perform 6 arrangements by Michel Herr
During a unique concert in Belgium at the Cirque Royal in Brussels, the prestigious Metropole Orchestra and pianist composer Ivan Paduart played 6 arrangements written on his music by Michel Herr. Next to Ivan Paduart (piano), the Metropole Orchestra (50 musicians, NL) conducted by Jim McNeely (USA), with Fay Claassen (vocals, NL) and Bob Malach (tenor sax, USA).
The event was a brilliant success and was recorded both in audio (Dutch radio NPS and Belgian radio VRT and possibly for an album) and for television (VRT).
See some photos taken in Hilversum (NL) during the rehearsals and the recording session. (December 13, 2008).
November 26, 2008 : first recording session for a Tribute to Paolo Radoni CD
On November 26, 2008, Michel Herr went into the studio for a first recording session of a cd which will pay a tribute to the late guitarist Paolo Radoni. The album will focus on Paolo's compositions and the musicians of this session were Gino Lattuca (tp), Ben Sluijs (alto sax & flute), Paolo Loveri (guitar), Charles Loos (piano), Chrystel Wautier (vocals), Bart De Nolf (double bass) and Bruno Castellucci (drums). Michel supervised the session as a musical director and brought 2 new arrangements. More sessions are planned in January 2009.
(November 27, 2008).
November 2008 : Michel Herr completes the mix of a cd by singer Danièle Copus
Michel Herr has completed (with Maxime Blésin) the mix of an album of the jazz singer Danièle Copus. The recording session (which took place on July 30, 2007) was to be the last one of the late guitarist Paolo Radoni. In the studio, the band was composed of Paolo Radoni (gt), Pierre Bernard (flute), Michel Herr (piano and arrangements), Jean-Louis Rassinfosse (double bass) and Bruno Castellucci (drums). Details on a possible release are still unknown.
(November 27, 2008).
November 2008 : release of a compilation cd of the Brussels Jazz Orchestra "BJO 15"
 | The W.E.R.F. label has just released a compilation cd on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, an album which contains a.o. 2 tracks with music by Michel Herr (originally released on the double cd "The Music of Michel Herr"). The compilation cd is titled BJO 15. (November 27, 2008). |
November 2008 : Michel Herr arranging for the Metropole Orchestra featuring Ivan Paduart
Michel Herr is currently bringing the final touches to 5 new arrangements he is writing for the prestigious Metropole Orchestra (more than 50 musicians, including a big band & a classical ensemble with strings etc...) for a production featuring the compositions of pianist Ivan Paduart, with guests Bob Malach (tenor sax, USA) and Fay Claassen (vocals, NL).
6 arrangements will be provided by Michel Herr, 1 by Bert Joris, 2 by Ivan Paduart and 2 by Jim Mc Neely (USA), who will also conduct the orchestra. A recording is planned, with the aim to release a cd, and one exceptional concerts is to take place in Brussels on December 12, 2008 at the Cirque Royal.
A unique event ! Reservations : 02/218-20-15, http://www.cirque-royal.com. (November 11, 2008).
October 27, 2008 : Michel Herr records a string arrangement for "Christmas in Paris"
Michel Herr conducted and recorded a string arrangement he made of the song "
Don't wanna waste more time" (listen to it on the Reverbnation website) for the upcoming Belgian movie "Christmas in Paris" (director : Hans Royaards), with N8n & Raw Soul and Toots Thielemans playing a few bars. See a couple of photos taken during the recording session.(Oct. 28, 2008).
October 2008 : Michel Herr starts working on a new album by Marito Correa
Brazilian songwriter/singer/guitarist Marito Correa is back in Belgium. He has started working with Michel Herr on the preparation of his upcoming album, to be recorded a.o. with saxophone/flute player Steve Houben. Recording planned in the Spring of 2009. This album will follow up the beautiful album which they recorded more than 10 years ago, O Brilho do Sol. See a couple of recent photos.
(Oct. 6, 2008).
September 27, 2008 : Michel Herr participates in a "Tribute to Miles" in sextet
On Sept. 27, 2008, Michel Herr played at the Musicalix Jazz Festival (Brussels) in a sextet led by trumpet player Richard Rousselet, with Ben Sluis (alto sax), Peter Hertmans (gt), Bas Cooijmans (double bass) and Bruno Castellucci (drs). Michel played both piano and keyboards in this Tribute to Miles, which covered as well the acoustic as the electric period of the great jazz legend. See a couple of photos.
(Sept. 28, 2008).
August 21, 2008 : Michel Herr participates in the RTBF tv programme "Hep Taxi"
RTBF television (B) is preparing a special "Hep Taxi" programme on Belgian Jazz. On August 21, 2008, a first shooting session took place in Brussels, a.o. at the Jazz Station, where a piece written for the occasion by Michel titled "A hip taxi" was recorded by a sextet composed of Steve Houben (alto sax), Jean-Pol Estiévenart (tp), Nicolas Kummert (tenor sax), Pascal Mohy (p), Jean-Louis Rassinfosse (double bass) and Jérôme Baudart (drums). Michel was also among the musicians interviewed in the taxi (See photo).
Another shooting session on Aug. 26, 2008, will feature Philip Catherine (gt), Bert Joris (tp), Alexandre Cavaliere (vl) and Quentin Liégeois (gt).
This "Hep taxi" should be broadcasted in the beginning of 2009. (Aug. 22, 2008).
July 2008 : release of the "JazzOlympics" cd, with a.o. "Michel Herr & Life Lines" and David Linx & Brussels Jazz Orchestra
 |
Just released on AMG records, the album JazzOlympics. Michel Herr participated in 2 tracks, "Tolerance", as a pianist and composer with his tentet "Life Lines", and "Fraternity", as an arranger and conductor with singer David Linx and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. See a photo of "Michel Herr & Life Lines" taken in studio and a couple of photos of the Linx/BJO recording session. The album was produced by Jean Kluger and commissioned by the Belgian olympic committee to illustrate the values associated with the games. (July 21, 2008). |
July 8, 2008 : Accordion player Tuur Florizoone plays 2 arrangements by Michel Herr with the string ensemble Piacevole
On July 8, 2008, in Namur (B), the accordion player Tuur Florizoone played a concert with guitarist Philip Catherine and the string quintet Piacevole. In Tuur's programme, one could hear two arrangements written by Michel Herr : "Horlogeries" (Ivan Paduart) and "Ne me quitte pas/If you go away" (Jacques Brel). The event was recorded by RTBF radio. (July 8, 2008).
June 2008 : release of the album of singer Mona Murray "Another woman", with Michel Herr's string arrangements
Just released, the album "Another woman" of soul singer Mona Murray, with string arrangements written by Michel Herr (some audio links are available on the page). (June 19, 2008).
June 2008 : the album "The Music of Michel Herr" is available on the iTunes store
The double album "The Music of Michel Herr" with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra is also available as a download on the iTunes store. (June 17, 2008).
June 9, 2008 : Michel Herr records a piece with David Linx and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra
On June 9, 2008, Michel Herr went into the studio in Ghent (B) to conduct and record an arrangement he wrote for singer David Linx and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra on David's song "Fraternity", another contribution (see just below) to the album "JazzOlympics" produced by Jean Kluger and commissioned by the Belgian olympic committee. See a couple of photos. (June 10, 2008).
June 5, 2008 : Michel Herr records a new piece with his "Life Lines" tentet
On June 5, 2008, Michel Herr went into the studio (in Brussels) to record a new piece, "Tolerance", which he recently wrote in the framework of his participation to an album produced by Jean Kluger and commissioned by the Belgian olympic committee to illustrate the values associated with the games, "JazzOlympics".
In the studio with Michel Herr & Life Lines, on this occasion a tentet, some of Belgium's finest jazzmen : Gino Lattuca (tp), Peter Vandendriessche (alto sax), Fabrice Alleman (tenor & soprano sax), Phil Abraham (tb), Marcus Bartelt (bari sax), Jacques Pirotton (gt), Alexandre Cavaliere (violin), Sam Gerstmans (double bass) and Bruno Castellucci. See a photo. (June 6, 2008).
May 25, 2008 : Michel Herr conducted the Brussels Jazz Orchestra on the Brussels Market Place
On May 25, 2008, for the final concert (organized by the Lundis d'Hortense) of the Brussels Jazz Marathon, Michel Herr conducted the Brussels Jazz Orchestra in 2 sets of his compositions, in front of a large and enthusiastic audience, on the big stage installed on the famous Market Place in Brussels. See some photos. (May 26, 2008).
May 2008 : a review of the latest album on the US site "All about jazz"
The album "The Music of Michel Herr" has been the subject of a very positive review by US big band specialist Jack Bowers on one of the most popular jazz web sites of the USA, "All about jazz". Read it here. (May 6, 2008).
April 10, 2008 : Michel Herr participates in a tribute to guitarist Paolo Radoni
On April 10, 2008, a special evening was organized at the Jazz Station in Brussels to pay a tribute to the music of the late guitarist/composer Paolo Radoni. Michel participated, playing two of Paolo's compositions with singer Christine Schaller, Paolo Loveri (guitar), Ben Sluijs (alto sax), Alex Furnelle (double bass) and Bruno Castellucci (drums). RTBF tv taped the whole evening an intends to use some excerpts in a future tv show ("Hep taxi" ?). (April 11, 2008).
April 2008 : Michel Herr on the front cover of Jazzmozaïek, + interview and 4 stars for the album
 | The spring issue of the Flemish jazz magazine Jazzmozaïek has Michel on its front cover, but also an extended interview (see pdf) in Dutch, and a 4 star review of the double album "The Music of Michel Herr". (April 4, 2008) |
March 15, 2008 : Le Soir publishes a big article on Michel Herr
On March 15, 2008, the #1 French speaking daily newspaper in Belgium "Le Soir" published an important piece on Michel Herr, signed by André Joassin. (March 15, 2008).
March 5 & 13, 2008 : Michel Herr guest on RTBF radio (Philippe Baron). Podcast available.
On March 5, 2008 (18:30-19:30), Michel Herr was the guest of Philippe Baron's radio show, "Jazz" (in French), on Musiq3 (RTBF radio), to introduce his latest album "The Music of Michel Herr". On March 13, he was interviewed again, this time about some of his favorite arrangers. For a while you will be able to listen to these programs here : select March 5 and 13. (March 4, 2008).
February 2008 : on Video Google, a clip with an interview and a "Making of" of the album "The Music of Michel Herr"
On Video Google, you'll find a video clip with an interview of Michel Herr (in English) and a "making of" with some footage from the recording session of the album "The Music of Michel Herr". It is here. (Feb. 27, 2008).
February 22 & 23, 2008 : release of the cd "The Music of Michel Herr" and 2 concerts of exception
 | On February 22 and 23, 2008, in front of an enthusiastic audience, Michel Herr conducted the Brussels Jazz Orchestra during two concerts at De Werf in Bruges to mark the release of the double album "The Music of Michel Herr" (W.E.R.F. 067/068). The album is now available and can be purchased via the web site of De Werf. (Feb 24, 2008). |
February 22, 2008 : Michel Herr appears in the VRT radio talk show "Neve"
Michel Herr participated in the recording of the upcoming radio program hosted by pianist Jef Neve on VRT radio Klara, titled "Neve", which will be aired on February 22, 2008 (as of 7:15 p.m.) and will also available on the VRT/Klara web site as a podcast. He played a couple of solo pieces, a duo with Jef Neve and spoke (in Dutch !) about the new album "The Music of Michel Herr", with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, which will be released at the end of this week. (Feb 20, 2008).
February 20, 2008 : the Piacevole ensemble and Tuur Florizoone play arrangements by Michel Herr
On February 20, the string quintet Piacevole plays a concert in Leuven (B) with Tuur Florizoone as a guest on accordion. They will play a.o. two arrangements written by Michel Herr, one on Jacques Brel's "Ne me quitte pas/If you go away" and one on "Horlogeries", a composition by Ivan Paduart recorded with the French accordion player Richard Galliano. (Feb 20, 2008).
January 2008 : Michel Herr arranges for Philip Catherine and the group Soledad
Michel Herr has arranged some compositions by Philip Catherine, for concerts the guitarist and composer has with the group Soledad (a small ensemble à-la-Piazzola, with violin, accordion, guitar, piano and double bass). (Jan. 25, 2008).
January 4, 2008 : first time on the air : the television film "Un crime très populaire", on RTBF "La Une"
On January 4, 2008 (22:00), RTBF tv "La Une" will air for the very first time on tv the television film by Didier Grousset (F), "Un crime très populaire", for which Michel Herr has written the music, which he recorded with Fabrice Alleman (saxes, clar.), Steve Houben (flutes), Alain Everts (acoustic guitar), Bart De Nolf (double bass), Jan De Haas (drums & percussion) and a string quartet composed of Nicolas Stevens, Elsa De Lacerda (vl), Marc Pijpops (viola) and Jean-François Assy (cello). (Dec. 22, 2007).
November 2007 : Michel Herr finishes mixing the double album of his music with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra
Michel Herr has completed the mixes of the upcoming album which features his big band music recorded under his direction by the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. Titled "The music of Michel Herr", it will be released in February 2008 by the De Werf label as a double album, with 9 single pieces and 2 suites. Two release concerts are planned in Bruges in February 2008 at De Werf.
An essential musical milestone in Michel Herr's career as a composer/arranger. Stay tuned. (November 21, 2007).
October 2007 : Michel Herr arranges for Philip Catherine
Guitarist and composer Philip Catherine has recently asked Michel Herr to write for him some small group arrangements. On October 31, 2007, during his special 65th birthday concert at the Palais de Beaux-Arts in Brussels, Philip played "Toscane" (Philip Catherine/arr. Michel Herr) with Bert Joris on trumpet, Alexandre Cavaliere on violin, Pierre de Bethmann on piano, Hein Van de Geyn on double bass and Mimi Verderame on drums (live radio broadcast on RTBF radio "La Première"). (November 1, 2007).
October 29, 2007 : Michel Herr interviewed for "Passion", an American documentary about the violinist Zbigniew Seifert
On October 29, 2007, Michel Herr was invited to Frankfurt (D) to participate in "Passion", a musical documentary about the Polish violin player Zbigniew Seifert (who died in 1979 at the age of 34). The film is directed and produced in the US by Erin Harper. Michel met with the other members of the European quartet (see photo) that the violinist had formed in 1976 : Swiss bassist Hans Hartmann (now playing the Chapman stick) and Polish drummer Janusz Stefanski. Some interviews and some live music have been recorded.
The film should be completed in the Spring of 2008.
View some screen grabs from the movie. (Oct. 30, 2007).
September 2007 : release of the album of David Linx + the Brussels Jazz Orchestra : "Changing faces"
On September 27, 2007, the French label O+ released the new album "Changing faces", of the singer David Linx with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. A dozen of European composers/arrangers have participated. Michel Herr wrote and conducted a suite built upon "Black Crow", a song by Joni Mitchell. You can listen to it on the David Linx page on My Space. (Sept. 28, 2007).
August 2007 : Michel Herr starts mixing the album with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra
End of August 2007, Michel started mixing the double album of his compositions for big band that he recorded end of May 2007 with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra at the Toots studio of the VRT radio.
July 2007 : Michel Herr on the cover of Jazz Hot (F)
 | The summer issue of the French magazine Jazz Hot (# 641) has Michel Herr on its front cover (a photo by Jacky Lepage), with an interview inside. |
July 8, 2007 : the web site www.michelherr.com is on-line
On July 8, 2007, the official web site of Michel Herr is on-line, although far from being completed. But we are working on it, we'll add stuff every day...Thanks to Jacky Lepage, who designed the site.
July 7, 2007 on RTBF tv La 2 : Randy Brecker + Fabrice Alleman Quartet
On Saturday July 7 at 22h45, in its "I love jazz" series, RTBF La 2 (tv) broadcasted one of the highlights of the "Jazz à Liège festival" 2006, the concert of US trumpet player Randy Brecker with the Fabrice Alleman quartet, with Fabrice Alleman (sax), Michel Herr (piano), Jean-Louis Rassinfosse (double bass) & Jan de Haas (drums).
June 2007 : Michel Herr with US singer Judy Niemack
In June, Michel played 2 concerts with US singer Judy Niemack (at the Music Village, Brussels), with Jeanfrançois Prins (gt), Christophe Devisscher (b) and Stefan Kremer (drs). This on the occasion of the release of the singer's new album "Blue Nights", on BluJazz. The repertoire was mainly the one used on the album.
May 2007 : The BJO has recorded the music of Michel Herr for a double album
End of May 2007, the Brussels Jazz Orchestra has recorded a selection of the works of composer Michel Herr in Studio Toots (VRT). Michel conducted the band during the recording sessions.
This double album, with "The Music of Michel Herr" as a title, will be released in February 2008 on the W.E.R.F. label.
May 2007 : Michel Herr as a musical advisor in the recording studio for Philip Catherine
Guitarist and composer Philip Catherine is currently working on his upcoming solo album for the Dreyfus label (F), to be titled "Guitars 2". He asked Michel Herr to give him a hand in the recording studio as a musical advisor for a couple of tracks.
April/May 2007 : Michel writes and records the soundtrack of "Un crime très populaire" (tv)
Michel Herr wrote and recorded the music for the French/Belgian tv film "Un crime très populaire" (Didier Grousset), with the participation of some Belgian jazzmen : Fabrice Alleman (clarinets, saxes), Steve Houben (flutes), Bart De Nolf (b), Jan de Haas (perc.), the acoustic guitar of Alain Everts and a string quartet. To be broadcasted in the fall/winter 2007 on RTBF tv and France 2.
March 2007 : 6 top Belgian jazzmen play so that Ingrid Betancourt does not get forgotten
The Belgian Comittee to free Ingrid Betancourt (the Colombian politician who was taken as an hostage 5 years ago) has organized on March 22, 2007 a special evening so that she doesn't get forgotten.
6 top Belgian jazzmen have played on this occasion at the Jazz Station : Philip Catherine (gt), Steve Houben (sax, fl), Phil Abraham (tb), Michel Herr (p), Jean-Louis Rassinfosse (b) and Bruno Castellucci (drs).
March 2007 : Michel Herr arranges a piece by Ivan Paduart for Fay Claassen & the Metropole Orchestra
On March 9 (Breda) and 10 (Zwolle), the Dutch singer Fay Claassen gave two successful concerts with the Metropole orchestra, a large Dutch ensemble which combines a big band, strings, woodwinds etc...In the programme, a.o., an arrangement especially written for the occasion by Michel Herr on Ivan Paduart's "Waterfalls", with lyrics by David Linx.
February 2007 : Michel records his arrangement for David Linx & the BJO
On February, 7, 2007, Michel Herr recorded in Gent a suite he wrote for singer David Linx and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, a piece based upon Joni Mitchell's "Black Crow", which will be included in David's upcoming album, "Changing Faces", to be released in France in the fall 2007 (Label : O+).