Nicolas Thys

28.01, RIVER JAZZ NIGHT
18.00 - Jazz Station: The Sound People Project
20.00 - Espace Senghor : The Rhythm People Project
22.00 - Marni : The Spirit People Project

05.02, 20.00, Roskam
Albert Vila Trio

09.02, 20.00, Espace Senghor
Nicolas Kummert ‘la diversité’ feat. Lionel Loueke

Who is… Nicolas Thys?

Bassist Nicolas Thys (°1968) can already look back on a huge international career. He leaves his native village Linkebeek to settle down in Hilversum (where he graduates cum laude from the Conservatory of Music). He then moves to New York (where he spends eight years in Brooklyn). Since a few years, he is back in Belgium and from here, he travels to the most diverse (international) places to perform on stage.

The list of musicians with whom he completed studio recordings or played on stage, is nothing short of impressive and reads like a “Who’s Who” of recent and less recent music history. It includes amongst many others Mike Stern, Ben Monder, Marc Ducret, Mal Waldron, Mark Turner and of course Toots Thielemans.

Given his contribution to a bevy of Belgian bands, it is safe to say that over the last twenty years, he has helped define the route taken by our national jazz.

Most recent examples are Nathalie Loriers Trio with Tineke Postma, Kris Defoort Trio with Lander Gyselinck and obviously TaxiWars (with Robin Verheyen, Antoine Pierre, Tom Barman).

Nicolas Thys plays both double bass and electric bass and teaches in Antwerp.

For the River Jazz Festival, he takes up the challenge to hit the stage with three different line-ups in three different venues on the same night.

What is…

... your favourite spot in Brussels?

Definitely L’Archiduc. There is always a good atmosphere and the art deco interior is simply fabulous. I have known this bar since the beginning of the nineties when I started my professional career and first took the stage there with Alice’s 5 Moons. Later, I played at L’Archiduc with big names the likes of Toots Thielemans, Kenny Werner and Lee Konitz. The place is steeped in music history. The owner Jean-Louis keeps on promoting jazz by organising live concerts. I do not think he needs it financially speaking but what really drives him is his unshakable passion for jazz.

… the last CD or album you bought for yourself?

I purchased three at once. The most jazz-tinged album is ‘The Nature of Connections’ by Arve Henriksen. I accidentally heard a piece on the radio and bought the CD straightaway. I have been playing it constantly in my car for the last six months. In the meantime, my entire family has gotten hooked. My second purchase was ‘Malibu’ by Anderson .Paak. Every ten years or so, a remarkable chap bobs up on the hip-hop scene and this time around it is him. His music sounds fresh and is brimming with great ideas. The third one I have actually received from Tom Barman. He thought it was outrageous that I did not really know Captain Beefheart and so he offered me a box with his first three CDs. This free mixed form of blues and rock was an absolute eye-opener for me.

… your fondest memory of a recent concert?

That is a tougher question. I am often on stage myself. I therefore have little opportunity to see other colleagues at work. When it happens, it is usually during a festival. So, I saw Esperanza Spalding play during North Sea Jazz. I would not say I was 100% blown away by her performance but she is one feisty lady with her own unique sound, resulting from the pollination of a sort of free jazz associated to an intricate fusion of pop, rock and jazz.

… your favourite quote of the moment?

There are quotes that you read or hear but which you fully understand the meaning of only years later. I am particularly thinking of an ancient quote which recurs in many religions and philosophical schools: “We are one”. For me, making music is being part of a group. I play at the service of the collectivity. That is particularly typical of bass players. We do not need to position ourselves as soloists or leading voice. We are happy to support the band and contribute to make it sound right. To do so, I need the others and vice versa. The better bands and musicians have clearly understood it. You only have to listen to Coltrane’s or Miles’ quartets. The band members are all outstanding soloists and leaders but together they sound like one!
The idea of cohesion is also important to me on a social level. It is a pity however that today’s society increasingly encourages individualism. It is a big mistake, we should be working together. Particularly in the context of globalisation. You cannot pretend as if Africa did not exist, like we did one hundred years ago. Finally, the “We are one” rule also applies within the family circle.