Going Dutch

Absurdism and slapstick humor are considered essential ingredients in Dutch jazz. But there’s something seemingly quite sensible about the way in which the Netherlands nurtures the art form, thanks to the country’s unique subsidy system, run by the government, which helps organize funding for improvised music. Today on Soundcheck we’re joined by Hans Mantel, an Amsterdam-based bassist, radio producer, and jazz authority, who tells us why the Dutch jazz scene is flourishing. We also welcome American tenor saxophonist Charles Lloyd. When he first appeared on the scene in the 1960s, he helped build larger audiences for jazz during a time when it was at its low point in popularity. Since then, he’s explored the relationships between jazz, rock and world music, including on a recent album inspired by Sept. 11.
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