Despite his young age (36), Ilja De Neve (Stekene, Belgium) has been on the circuit for some time now. 

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His experience shows on his debut album Wama Bama Mama, recorded in Great Britain with musicians who earned their stripes with the likes of Ginger Baker, Gerry Rafferty, Bert Jansch and Shirley Bassey.

 

As well as new arrangements of some well-chosen covers, this recording features original songs written with band members Colin Gibson, Andrew Neate and Henk De Loose. De Neve's music is a melting pot of styles and influences, which defies categorization. Rocky guitar blues, old school piano blues, dirty Hammond sounds and a bit of New Orleans jazz and boogie.

 

His quest is to be original and surprising, presenting his music, whether it be original material or covers, as a chameleon, always with space for improvisation.

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Band members:

Ilja De Neve (piano, Hammond organ, voc.), Andrew Neate (guitars, lapsteel), Colin Gibson (bass), James Gulliver (drums & percussion, at present), Liam Genockey (drums, former), Henk De Loose (trumpet) & Vincent Brijs (baritone saxophone)

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