source jazznu.com <—-nederlandse versie !
Jadi Peperzak Quartet: A Triumphant Debut at LantarenVenster
In 2024, guitarist Jadi Peperzak received the Conservatorium Talent Award, and his final exam concert was equally successful. On this day, he presented his debut album, ‘Amity’. While the LantarenVenster concert hall wasn’t technically sold out, it seemed far too small for the wildly enthusiastic audience. The Jadi Peperzak Quartet delivered a dazzling performance.
Wim van Zon, owner of the Tone & Image gallery in Schiedam and board member of the Gillespie Foundation, is dedicated to supporting young jazz talent by finding new stages and organizing concerts. In his introduction, he noted:
“The Gillespie Foundation is in close contact with teachers at the Codarts Conservatory in Rotterdam. They keep us informed about talented students, who come from the Netherlands but also increasingly from all over the world. Jadi made a huge impression on me when he performed in the opening act for New Cool Collective in 2023. He is not only a great talent but also possesses the perseverance to make it happen.”
From Soundcheck to Spotlight
There had been some nerves during the afternoon soundcheck. The four young musicians took the stage somewhat shyly, but once the spotlights were on and family, friends, and former teachers were visible in the front rows, they immediately shifted to full power. They opened with the exciting intro of 00:59, showcasing their talent through a beautiful, long-drawn-out version of the piece. The momentum stayed high with the grooving JaJaJa, which was built up layer by layer.
After the first fifteen minutes, a beaming Jadi Peperzak addressed the crowd: “Hi! It’s warm in here, isn’t it? And so many people! Thank you all for coming!” He introduced his bandmates and shared how they grew together during their studies, developing a deep musical friendship. Pianist Daniel Bulatkin was the one who plucked him from his dorm room and took him to his first gig; it was in this atmosphere that Amity was born.
Musical Mastery
Jadi Peperzak understands the finesses of the electric guitar and translates them logically into his versatile compositions. In every facet of his relaxed playing, there is a sense of overview, spontaneity, and total surrender. Melodies, a rich sound palette, and riffs are beautifully balanced. During his improvisations, he lets loose, yet his timing remains razor-sharp.
In pianist Daniel Bulatkin, double bassist Sulav Maharjan, and drummer Rafael Slors, he has found the perfect companions. They seem to be cut from the same cloth, expanding the music with challenging interplay.
The Setlist and Guest Appearance
- Ober (Waiter) is a new piece capturing both the joy of alcohol consumption and the struggle of the days that follow.
- Song for my couch reveals a lyrical compositional style that highlights Peperzak’s gentle nature.
- In Right before and Seven no more, tenor saxophonist Jesse Schilderink joined to pull the sound in a new direction. His soulful, seasoned playing gave the music a surprising twist. Peperzak and Schilderink are a perfect match, forming a formidable duo.
- Conversation is another new piece, written for Sulav Maharjan. Judging by his articulate bass playing, the title is very fitting.
- I think you know is a ballad where insight and resignation are translated into contemplative vistas.
- The concert concluded with Floating on dream soda, a composition with a spacious structure that excels in subtlety.
The Encore
For the encore, Jesse Schilderink rejoined the quartet for Twee kopstootjes alstublieft meneer de ober (Two “kopstootjes” please, Mr. Waiter). This light-hearted piece created a spatial atmosphere; its sound and drive evoked euphoric associations with The Crusaders and The Michael Brecker Band. The fresh approach of the Jadi Peperzak Quartet fits effortlessly into this lineage. The standing ovation at the end was richly deserved.
In the foyer, the celebration continued for a long time, and vinyl and CDs flew off the shelves.
Lineup & Setlist
LantarenVenster Rotterdam, May 3, 2026
The Band:
- Jadi Peperzak – Guitar
- Daniel Bulatkin – Piano, organ, keys
- Sulav Maharjan – Double bass
- Rafael Slors – Drums
- Guest: Jesse Schilderink – Tenor saxophone
Setlist:
- 00:59
- JaJaJa
- Ober
- Song for my couch
- Right before
- Seven no more
- Conversation
- I Think you know
- Floating on dream soda
- Encore: Twee kopstootjes alstublieft meneer de ober