Iman Spaargaren & Peter Bjornild

Iman Spaargaren is a versatile Dutch saxophonist and clarinetist, known for his rich tone, expressive playing, and wide musical interests. He moves effortlessly between jazz, world music, and free improvisation. His playing is lyrical and powerful, with a deep connection to tradition while also maintaining an open view towards innovation. As a composer and bandleader, he has several projects to his name, including the Iman Spaargaren Quartet and the international ensemble Undercurrent Orchestra.

Peter Bjørnild is a Danish-Dutch double bassist with a subtle, melodic style. His warm sound and refined timing make him a sought-after musician in the European jazz scene. Bjørnild is not only an excellent accompanist but also a soloist with a distinctive voice. He has played with a wide range of musicians and is a co-founder of various projects in which he expresses his passion for acoustic jazz and chamber music.

When Spaargaren and Bjørnild share the stage, a special chemistry arises: two musicians who perfectly sense each other, reinforce each other’s ideas, and thus tell their exciting musical stories. Whether it concerns original work or standards, each piece fuses into something unique! The interplay of clarinet or saxophone and double bass feels like a conversation between friends, melodic, harmoniousl, and always personal.

Filmed and recorded live in July, 2025.

SET LIST
My Funny Valentine (R. Rodgers)
Lover Man (J. Davis, R. Ramirez, J. Sherman)
House by the Lake (I. Spaargaren)
Kattenbel (I. Spaargaren)
Here’s That Rainy Day (J. Van Heusen)
I Fall in Love Too Easily (J. Styne)
My One and Only Love (G. Wood)
Makin’ Whoopee (W. Donaldson)

MUSICIANS
Iman Spaargaren – tenor saxophone, clarinet
Peter Bjørnild – double bass

POCKET CONCERTS TEAM
Production: Arjan Went & Co de Kloet
Sound: Wijnand de Groot
Camera & Editing: Arnaud Heymel (Heymel Visual)
Camera assistant: Yara Heijmel (AllYouMedia)
Design: Marcel van den Broek (Oak Creatives)
Host: Ide van Gelder

THANKS
Mark van Schaick (Buma Cultuur)
Fabrizzia De Toni (inJazz)
Theater Kikker, Utrecht
Raph van den Driesschen
Rimke Went (RimDesign)
Niklaas Hoekstra (Concertzender)
Sem de Jongh (Concertzender)
Daens planten, Utrecht

Pocket Concerts is made possible by World of Jazz, inJazz, Het Jazz Archief and Podiumkunst.net.