In the Netherlands Ntjam Rosie is already a star, she has already played on various stages and festivals – among others the North Sea Jazz Festival – she can also often be seen on Dutch radio and television. With her unique live shows she already thrilled the jazz world on tours in 20 different countries. Her last 3 albums were released via o-tone music – in 2018 she started with “Breaking Cycles”, in February 2020 her sixth studio album “Family and Friends” was released, which was again very well received, and in December 2021 the self-recorded solo EP “Home Cooking” followed. Among other things, her authentic style has already earned her one of the coveted spots at the Jazzopen in Stuttgart.

Born in Cameroon in 1983, Ntjam Rosie’s musical career took off with the release of her critically acclaimed second album Elle in 2010, which helped her build a loyal fan base in the Netherlands and abroad. Twelve years later, the album still reflects her idiosyncratic vision of jazz and soul and is a prime example of her signature sound. At the time, she felt she had to prove herself, to be heard and seen. At that point in her career, her main concern was to explore and find new ways, a new sound, new energy.

Since then, she has been able to break away from this way of thinking and enjoys creating a new musical aesthetic in line with the spirit of the times. To this end, she decided to team up with the four young talents of SMANDEM. To reinterpret a selection of Elle songs and bring them into today’s sound world of Soul and RnB with jazz accents. The result is energetic, fresh and sassy. Elle (Reworked) will be released in April 2023 and can then hit clubs in the Netherlands and Germany on their release tour.

SMANDEM. from Amsterdam prove that incredible skills and an open-minded approach blur the boundaries between genres in pure dynamics. Inspired by Herbie Hancock, Christian Scott and Wayne Shorter but also Travis Scott and Drake, the four-piece collective produces a sound that is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition but does not adhere to stylistic boundaries or formal etiquette. They strive to innovate and explore ways to blend their fine talent with today’s popular music. With a strong friendship at their core, their dynamic live show effortlessly accelerates from lush harmonies into colorful blends of dense rhythms and fierce improvisations.

SMANDEM. – consisting of Aäron Bouwman (bass), David Nino van der Grinten (keys), Rafael Devante Sinay (guitar) and Kick Woudstra (drums) – met while studying at the Amsterdam Conservatory. They quickly realized that they had a similar outlook and were made to play together. Their amazing synergy was even recognized by Kelly Coker, dean of New York’s famed New School of Jazz and Contemporary: “There’s never a feeling of trying too hard and that made it an absolute joy to listen to you. You guys don’t sound like Weather Report, but feel like Weather Report.” Supported by several local Amsterdam platforms such as Super.Sonic Jazz and the Keep An Eye Foundation, SMANDEM. is setting out to experiment in modern music.

Tracklist:

1. Morning Glow – Reworked (03:04)
2. In Need – Reworked (03:27)
3. Elle Pt 3- Reworked (04:36)
4. Again & again – Reworked (00:52)
5. Serre sa main – Reworked (04:49)
6. Here – Reworked (04:57)
7. Space of you – Reworked (03:26)
8. In your hands – Reworked (01:04)

Line Up:
Rosie Boei – vocals
Aäron Bouwman – bass guitar
David Nino van der Grinten – keys
Rafael Devante Sinay – guitar
Kick Woudstra – drums
Yariv Vroom – percussion