Juke Night : Count Basie • Swingin' Hard

This year, for our monthly Juke Nights, the house band led by Mathieu Najean shines a light on a major figure from jazz history at each concert — an opportunity to discover or revisit the repertoires that have shaped the language of this music.

For this edition, we turn to one of the most elegant and irresistible architects of swing — pianist, bandleader, and master of groove: Count Basie.

A central figure of the big band era, Basie developed a style defined by economy, precision and an unmatched sense of swing. With his legendary orchestra, he crafted a sound that is instantly recognisable — driven by sharp riffs, a remarkably supple rhythm section, and a use of space as expressive as the notes themselves. From Kansas City to New York, he left his mark with timeless classics such as One O’Clock Jump, April in Paris, Shiny Stockings, Jumpin’ at the Woodside and Lil’ Darlin’.

Our Brussels all-star ensemble now takes on the challenge of bringing this music back to life in a sextet format — with elegance, energy, and that elusive sense of timing that cannot be explained, only felt.