The History of Jazz series is organised in partnership with the Liège House of Jazz.
Michel Herr represents no less than half a century in the history of Belgian jazz, taking part in the period when this musical milieu became more structured and gained greater recognition. His career really took off in 1971, and immediately took an international turn, notably with Wolfgang Engstfeld, who became a regular partner. Solis Lacus and Mauve Traffic with Steve Houben were two of the leading groups of the 70s, when jazz fusion and electric jazz dominated, and where he perfected his piano playing. Thereafter, his abundant hair did not prevent him from wearing many hats, as the pianist also established himself over the years as a composer, arranger, conductor and producer, both in Belgium and abroad. With a predilection for extended formations and a fondness for strings. Concentrating on writing (composition and arrangement) for some years now, he has also been a sought-after sideman, underlined by his presence for almost twenty years in Toots Thielemans' European quartet and countless prestigious collaborations (Joe Lovano, Archie Shepp, Joe Henderson, Chet Baker...).
Michel Herr will be on hand to comment on this rich and ongoing career.
Jacques Onan developed a passion for jazz to escape the boredom of a short-lived career as a record salesman. A journalist at Le Soir, he was invited by a certain Jean-Pol Schroeder to take part in the adventure that was Jazz in Time magazine (1989-1995) and, with the same man and a few other friends, he went on to launch the Bleu Banane magazine. To escape boredom for good, he has taken on roles such as concert organiser, notably at the Espace Senghor, press officer and artistic adviser. At the end of 2021, he will be joining the Maison du Jazz, with which he has been close since its inception.
