About the Band

Big Band Blast! from Sliedrecht offers a platform of fanatic and talented musicians creating music which has stolen their hearts. A passionate band, seen on many stages and always noticed. Under the inspirational leadership of Nils van Haften, the band is obsessively rehearsing special arrangements and original compositions. Full vocals, a raging rhythm section, swirling saxes, oiled trombones and a sharp trumpet section make for a musical explosion!

Big Band Blast! is winner of several awards, including the second prize in the top class of the International Big Band Concours at the Meer Jazz Festival 2021, first prize in the first class of the IBBC 20217, the second price in the first class of the IBBC 2016, the second prize at the Big Band Festival Brielle 2015, “Best Trumpet Section 2006” at the Seabreeze Festival, the first price at the Veluwse Big Band Festival 2003 and various soloist prizes.

For 30 years, the band accompanied during the “Sunday Jazz” concerts, big names from the jazz scene such as Carlo de Wijs, Angelo Verploegen, Ilja Reijngoud, Rob van Bavel, Ferdinand Povel, Frits Landesbergen, Ronald Douglas, Ack van Rooyen, Rolf Delfos, Simon Rigter, Bert Boeren, Peter Tiehuis, Ernie Hammes, Vincent Houdijk, Rik Mol, Denise Jannah, Gé Titulaer, Peter Guidi, Martijn van Iterson, Deborah J. Carter, Loet van der Lee, Xandra Willis and many others.

Under the influence of these guest soloists and through their expertise, the band has collected uniquely surprising arrangements. The music of Bob Curnow, Pat Metheny, Gordon Goodwin, Peter Herbolzheimer, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Jaco Pastorius, Chick Corea, Steve Spiegl, Thad Jones and Quincy Jones are performed with dedication.
Singing involved, music of Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Natalie Cole, Peggy Lee and Aretha Franklin is performed.

Whether it’s a performance with or without a singer. Whether it’s a private party or an outdoor event. Whether you listen, you drink or you dance. Bigband Blast! guarantees you a thrilling spectacle!
Interested in a performance with enthusiastic and passionate musicians at your event? Then contact us and give your preferences.