Rabble Without A Cause
Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 with Bernard Stepien
Berlin Alchemy part IV: the Canadian Factor: saxophonist Peter van Huffel

Berlin sees a constant stream of musicians flowing through from the north, east, south and west. As a Canadian, of course I always noticed Canadian musicians first. I know at least three Canadian musicians that thrive in Berlin for a long time: • Former Toronto Saxophonist David Beecroft (http://www.beecroft.de) has been there since at least 20 years, leading a successful school of Jazz, • Canadian Bassist Robin Draganic (https://www.behance.net/gallery/10876123/Robin-Draganic-Interview-12-years-b-flat-Music-Club ) leading the Bb jazz club’s jam session every Wednesday for the last 16 years. More recently, like 10 years ago or so. • Canadian saxophonist Peter van Huffel (http://www.petervanhuffel.com ) moved there too and specialized in Free Jazz His Gorilla Mask CD Byte My Blues liner notes tell it all: "Saxophonist Peter Van Huffel may be one of the most intense performers on this instrument..." (Raul d'Gama, All About Jazz). He has played an active role in many of the world’s top jazz scenes, with performances in New York, Berlin, Copenhagen, Paris and London to mention just a few; and he has led numerous tours across Europe, the US and his native Canada. Steve Smith of Time Out New York refers to Peter as “a compelling melodist with a fiery outward- bound streak and a penchant for layering opposed rhythms in quirky, compelling ways..." and Wilbur MacKenzie of All About Jazz NY says “Van Huffel’s playing... is richly nuanced, with melody and texture seamlessly integrated to create colorful and evocative statements.”