Gijs Levelt & Friends

With this group of virtuoso friends, trumpeter Gijs Levelt presents his newly composed material: distinctive jazz influenced by music from the Middle East and the Maghreb. Alongside his own pieces, they perform compositions by sources of inspiration such as Rabih Abou-Khalil, Anouar Brahem, and John Zorn’s Masada. It is warm, melodic, and at times rousing music that invites improvisations sure to capture the imagination.


- Gijs Levelt (trumpet) enjoys exploring the boundaries between improvised, non-Western, contemporary, and pop music. He has toured the globe with groups such as the Amsterdam Klezmer Band, STriCat, and Spinifex, as well as his own projects.

- Haytham Safia (oud) was born and raised in a small village near Nazareth in Galilee; he studied in Jerusalem and has lived in the Netherlands for years. His music is rooted in classical Arabic traditions but touches upon a wide range of styles, including jazz, Balkan music, and improvisation.

- Daniel van Huffelen (double bass) studied jazz in The Hague and Hindustani music in Mumbai; he performs with the Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra and the Mehmet Polat Quartet.

- Modar Salama (percussion) is renowned for his ability to blend traditional Middle Eastern rhythms with contemporary Western beats. With years of experience in live performance and studio recording, Modar creates a unique sonic experience that transcends boundaries.

Line-up:
Gijs Levelt – trumpet
Haytham Safia – oud
Daniel van Huffelen – double bass
Modar Salama – percussion