Peter Brötzmann + Best shows of 2007!

Saturday night, German free jazz legend Peter Brötzmann treated the audience to another stellar performance at De Werf in Bruges! Backed by drummer Michael Wertmüller and bassist Marino Pliakas, he once again proved that after all these years, he is still the uncrowned king of the European free jazz movement. Although most known for his raw edged saxophone shrieks, Brötzmann is also a true master who plays with depth and sensitivity. At times, the trio built to a climax and I really thought the roof was going to tear off the club. Wertmüller as well as Pliakas were both unique companions, mixing power with craftsmanship and genuineness. Especially Pliakas, who often created a repetitive, gloomy sound, was a pleasure to watch. An amazing show that will end up high in my year end list. By the way and for what it's worth, here are my favourite shows of 2007:

1. Blue Highways festival (21/04/07 – Vredenburg, Utrecht)

I simply could have put Pieta Brown’s intimate, sensual and mesmerizing show on top of my list but I also enjoyed a lot of other bands on this great Americana festival like The Hacienda Brothers, Danny & Dusty, The Road Kings feat. Jesse Dayton and Kevn Kinney's S.T.A.R. Unfortunately, I had to make choices so I missed shows by Kris Delmhorst, Diana Jones and Po’Girl. Blue Highways 2008 will take place on Saturday April 19. Honey, will you babysit again, please?

2. Brutal Knights (22/09/07 – The Pit’s, Kortrijk)

Primal hardcore punkrock. Don’t make me believe that Black Flag was better in their heyday. A serious head butt!!

3. Touareg Night with Tinariwen, Tartit & Toumast (08/05/07 - Botanique, Brussels)

A rockin’ & tempting Toumast, a traditional & charming Tartit ensemble & a hypnotic & groovy Tinariwen. Oh what a night!

4. Clorox Girls/The Feelers (23/06/07 – The Pit’s, Kortrijk)

Definitely the most fun show of the year, hands down!

5. The Black Keys (02/03/07 – Handelsbeurs, Ghent)

These 2 cats sure know how to ROCK on stage! Damn cool!

6. Demon’s Claws (07/04/07 – The Pit’s, Kortrijk)

These Canadians lay down a wonderful groove. Canadiana with a genuine punk spirit.

7. Pistolera/Ollabelle (27/04/07 – N9 Villa, Eeklo)

For a big fan of The Staple Singers and American folk music, Ollabelle’s show was a true revelation. A brilliant show for two men and a dog.

8. Bassekou Kouyate (02/11/07 – Zuiderpershuis, Antwerpen)

I missed the Sfinks festival this year so I tried to make up a little by attending this Bassekou Kouyate show. A good choice since this is a very charming and wonderful live band!

9. Josephine Foster (11/04/07 – Vooruit, Ghent)

I was enthralled and moved by Josephine Foster’s weird fairy tales.

10. Rashied Ali Quintet/Archie Shepp Quartet (16/07/07 – Blue Note festival, Ghent)

I chose this one instead of the Allen Toussaint/Elvis Costello show the day after. For many people I know, the latter was the best show of the year. I missed it although I really enjoyed Rashied Ali and Archie Shepp too…

Other great shows include Alemayehu Eshete (23/09/07 – Zuiderpershuis, Antwerpen), Kaushiki Chakhrabarty (14/04/07 – Zuiderpershuis, Antwerpen), The Sadies (01/05/07 – Checkpoint, Terneuzen), Fucked Up (02/01/07 - Het Bargehuis, Bruges), Los Lobos (03/05/07 – AB, Brussels), Wheels On Fire (03/06/07 – 4AD, Diksmuide), Jay Reatard & Boston Chinks (15/06/07 – Lintfabriek, Kontich), Miss Alex White (10/07/07 – The Pit’s, Kortrijk), Nicole Willis (15/07/07 – Boomtown, Ghent), Beasts of Bourbon (25/07/07 – 4AD, Ghent), Harlan T Bobo & Jack Oblivian (30/08/07 – The Pit’s, Kortrijk), Hipshakes + LiveFastDie (09/09/07 – The Pit’s, Kortrijk), Black Time (05/10/07 – The Pit’s, Kortrijk), Human Eye (19/10/07 – The Pit’s, Kortrijk), Movie Star Junkies (24/10/07 – The Pit’s, Kortrijk), Nathaniel Mayer (01/12/07 – N9 Villa, Eeklo)