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Saxophonist Ferdi Schukking (Amsterdam, 1959) learned soprano saxophone under Adri van Velsen in Maastricht, studied composition with Misha Mengelberg in Amsterdam and microtonality with dr. Rudolf Rasch in Utrecht. His classical training has been showcased in the Delphi Saxophone Quartet, with modern compositions of Dutch composers and in a duo with pianist Bea de Jong. He is also an accomplished solo-performer, and his program 'De Ontmoeting' ('The Meeting') features the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone, with works by J.S.Bach, by the modern Dutch composer Theo Loevendie, from the jazz musician Thelonious Monk and with improvisations on his own compositions. In 1989 he won the KRO-broadcasting company Saxophone Competition together with pianist Ingeborg van Stiphout. In 1995 he won the Dordtse Jazzprice with his septet 'Very Shucking'. The ensemble I4CMS (I foresee a mess) plays a combination of jazz and pop music. With dancer Truusje Graste he performed a program called 'Melancholy' based on improvisations to search for the confrontation between music and motion. In 2000 the solo saxophone CD 'Air' was released.
He has his own jazz-trio 'Triosonic' which play modern improvised music, based on modern classical composing methods, like Schoenbergs twelve-tone series and Peter Schats Tone-clock structuring principle. The press wrote very good reviews of the two CD's which Triosonic produced in 1997. In the fall of 2002 Triosonic tours with guest piano player Michiel Braam. 'The Cricketeers' perform a theatre production with the songs of Walt Disney, arranged for a jazz-sextet.
Ferdi Schukking collaborated with the Romanian 'Jazz Unit' and recorded the CD 'From now on' in 1998. They played in Romania and France.
With 'Sinew', a group founded by percussionist Ruud van Helvert, he toured through Spain and Germany. The group '4 Horns Only' plays own compositions of the members of the band with two saxophones, French horn and trombone. 'Gemong' is a group with tabla player Sandip Bhattacharya. The combine traditional Indian classical music with Dutch improvisation style.
In 2005 he made a DVD with the program 'Goodbye'. The film shows a huge lot of birds who fly around to find a place to sleep. The music fits in perfectly with the ballet patterns the birds fly.
He experiments a lot with micro-tones. He has produced and collaborated on numerous CD productions. He also worked with artists, poets and dancers. He plays soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophone.
He is also a passionate teacher. He gives workshops in Rotterdam, Gouda, Utrecht, 's-Hertogenbosch, Acquet (France) and Woerden.
Ferdi Schukking's creatively expansive range is instantly recognizable in every solo he plays. He has the ability to interpret an emotion typical of a certain composition in a way that suits the moment. His versatility and openness give his music its own vital and playful character.

You can contact Ferdi Schukking.