‘Being based in the Netherlands and surrounded by its vibrant music scene has definitely shaped my work’
Interview with Sam Newbould
Saxophonist and composer Sam Newbould and his Quintet represent the vibrant Dutch jazz scene at this year’s jazzahead! with a showcase concert on Saturday 26 April.
When you applied for jazzahead!, was it for more than just a showcase gig? Did you aim to gain something unique from the event?
‘Attending jazzahead! is valuable to me and to us as a band, even without the showcase. It’s a chance to meet people I’ve often only communicated with via email, to meet in person, make plans, and discuss options. Applying for jazzahead! and doing a showcase allows people to see us perform and also feel like a serious part of the festival. Representing the Netherlands as an artist feels special. It’s an opportunity to approach other stands, start conversations, and discuss potential collaborations or exchanges involving the Dutch scene. There’s a bit of responsibility in that, but it’s exciting.’
How do you feel about living in and working from Amsterdam? Does it create a duality in your identity?
‘I consider myself a Dutch artist, even though I’m not Dutch. I’ve developed my musical project here over the past decade. The music I’ve written, especially for this album, reflects the idea of home. For me, home has shifted. It’s no longer just where I grew up or the people I knew there – it’s about where I feel a connection now, and that’s in the Netherlands. I’m proud of this scene and the musicians I work with.
About Sam Newbould
Originally from Yorkshire, Sam Newbould settled in The Netherlands in 2016. He graduated from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2019. He has been, and still is, active in a variety of groups and orchestras. The three albums he made with his Quintet have received consistently good reviews, with Homing from 2024 being the highlight. Besides Sam on alto saxophone, the Quintet consists of Bernard van Rossum (tenor saxophone), Xavi Torres (piano), Jort Terwijn (double bass), and Guy Salamon (drums).
Lately, Sam has been writing new music for the Quintet’s upcoming tour to Scotland (7-13 April). ‘We’re playing some amazing venues and I’m really excited to try out some new ideas with the band on our performances. I really like to write new music for the start of a tour and see how the songs develop night after night.’
Sam is a teacher at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and Conservatorium Maastricht. He holds a master’s degree in Philosophy from Durham University in the UK.
Sam Newbould
Website: samnewbould.com
Instagram: @newboulds
YouTube: @samnewbouldmusic
Spotify: Sam Newbould
‘There’s also a sense of European identity I’ve embraced here. At events like jazzahead!, I want to support and help build that identity.’
Your 2024 album Homing feels more cohesive and polished compared to the last. Where did it come from composition-wise?
‘Thank you for saying that! This album feels very different. The previous one looked backward, reflecting on moving away from home, and the discomfort of going back to the place where you grew up and feeling removed or detached from it. This album, however, looks forward and reflects the present. Having lived abroad for years, my sense of home has changed. Now, home is here in the Netherlands, with the people I’m surrounded by. It’s a much more positive and fluid concept, tied to relationships rather than places.
‘Musically, this album feels lighter, more direct, and less overthought. I approached the compositions with an instinctual “this feels right” mindset. Many of the melodies from these songs came from singing to myself, from a kind of instinctual musicality. This was a new process for me that felt very pure and honest – you may have noticed that I also sing on the album. The band, having played together for almost a decade, shares a strong musical rapport, which also contributes to the album’s cohesiveness.’
Was it an easy album to record?
‘Well… when we are recording we sometimes must play in a way we aren’t really used to as jazz musicians. However, we recorded after a seven-day tour, so the music felt fresh and well-rehearsed. The challenge, of course, was translating our live energy into a studio context without the performances feeling too restrained.’
Your compositions have a journey-like quality, with strong harmonies and melodies. How do you convey this to your band?
‘I aim to write music that balances my vision with the musicians’ strengths. My scores are detailed to communicate my intentions, but I trust my band members to interpret and enhance the music. For example, I provide specific voicings for the piano, but Xavi then brings his own expressions to the table.’
How do you start writing a piece? You tell great stories about each track when you are on stage.
‘Usually, with a voice note or a simple idea on the piano or drums – rarely on the saxophone. I find that starting on an instrument I’m less proficient with helps create a fresh perspective. And most often, the music comes first, the story developing alongside it. Titles are the last piece of the puzzle, often reflecting the vibe or emotion of the song rather than a literal narrative.’
How much of Dutch culture influences your music?
‘It’s hard to pinpoint, but being based in the Netherlands and surrounded by its vibrant music scene has definitely shaped my work. The directness and openness of Dutch culture resonate with me, and I think that has influenced my approach to music – getting to the point and creating a sense of connection.’
Sam Newbould Quintet @ jazzahead!
Saturday 26 April, 22:30 – 23:00
Kulturzentrum Schlachthof
The showcase concert of Sam Newbould Quintet at jazzahead! 2025 is supported by inJazz and Performing Arts Fund NL.
Interview by Mark van Schaick