Laurens Tol

Laurens Tol is only 28 years old, but has become an integral part of the Volendam music scene. The bass player is involved in the lion's share of local musical projects. Although he graduated from the Conservatory five years ago, he still studies his instrument every day. This institution has done him no harm. "What I really thought was a great honor, for example, was raiding the 3JS," the musician proudly explains. Laurens has now reached a new milestone. His debut album, entitled The Four Trees, is complete and will be presented next Friday. By Kevin Mooijer In 2013 the Volendammer unknowingly writes the first song for the piece that would become his debut album five years later. ,, At the time I was very active with improvisation lessons from a good guitarist. After a few sessions, the teacher asked me to come up with my own piece a week later. I tried and actually liked it. ”Laurens got the taste for it and often ventured to write instrumental compositions. ,, At one point I had dozens of pieces on my computer and then the idea of ​​making a record came up carefully. Once that thought is alive, you start using it much more intensively. Songs are improved and you want to create a certain line in the album, so it takes a lot more time. " There is good reason why The Four Trees is an instrumental album in a jazz atmosphere. ,, I really like to solo and improvise. You can hear that on the album, also with the other cooperating musicians. Whereas in pop music, for example, you are primarily supporting as a musician, in jazz you have room for improvisation. ” Despite the fact that jazz is often regarded as heavy music, it appears that Laurens ’album is experienced as very accessible. ,, Various people, both music lovers and musicians, have already touched on me with positive reactions about the atmosphere of the music. In the early stages it felt a bit uncomfortable to make this album, because I am used to playing music that appeals to me. So I am very happy that a lot of people like it. " Four instruments can be heard on The Four Trees; the bass guitar, guitar, alto saxophone and drums. The musicians who play the instruments are (old) acquaintances of Laurens from the music world. ,, For such a project as musicians it is important that you have a good click with each other. The boys who participated in this album vary in age between their twenties and fifties. They are all great guests and moreover virtuosos. ”In addition to Laurens Tol on the bass guitar, you can hear Tom Rutgers (drums), Florian Hierdeis (guitar) and Erik van der Weijden (alto saxophone). ,, I am really proud of the end result. As a bass player you have the possibility to record your own album in the studio, that is such a special experience. Nobody takes that away from me anymore. "