The first mini-tour of the UK by Maalstroom takes place next month.

Maalstroom is a group of musicians, based in Holland, from a mix of European countries who celebrate their varied tastes by bringing together sounds and styles from the corners of the continent. 

Although some members of the band have played in the UK before as individuals, this is the first visit by the band itself. They have released 2 CDs, "Face in the Water" (PAN 182) in 2000 and "From the Wood" (Pigeon 002) in 2004, and some tracks have been played on BBC local radio stations.  

Under the direction of Michel Duijves they have developed a unique sound with a flavour all of its own. They play an exciting mixture of modern instrumental folk/jazz (strongly influenced by Irish, Flemish and Dutch traditional and klezmer music) together with some traditional Irish songs. (If I mention that Brian Finnegan of Flook was an original member then you get the idea of the quality of music that will be on offer. Brian wrote "The Crazy Clarinettist" for Michel, and played on the first Maalstroom album, but had to leave the band because of his touring commitments with Flook. He was replaced by Wim Poesen.)

The band lineup is:
Michel Duijves: bass clarinet, clarinet
Paul Pallesen: guitar, bouzouki
Wim Poesen: Flemish bagpipes, flute, whistle
Gilles Rullmann: fiddle
Job Cornelissen: bodran, bones and voice

See www.maalstroom.net for more details and sample CD tracks.

Maalstroom will be appearing at:

Thursday 17th May, 8pm: The Barn, Baston, Lincolnshire.
Baston is on the A15 between Market Deeping and Bourne. The Barn is the Village Hall on the large playing field 100 yards east from the A15 crossroads. You need to bring your own drinks. Tickets for this concert are £8 from  01778 560497.

Friday 18th May: The Rifle Club, Whitby. Tickets £7. Ring 0845 3732760 to book.

Saturday 19th May: workshops on Flemish tunes and dances during the day, concert in the evening. Marley Hill Primary School, Gateshead, NE16 5DT. Workshops will run 12 till 5 and will cater for dancers and instrumentalists. Concert from 8 till 10.30. Contact 0191 488 8832.

Sunday, May 20th, 3pm: afternoon concert at St Andrew's Church, Grinton, near Reeth, Richmond, North Yorkshire. Tickets £7 (£5 for children and OAPs) on the door, or reserved in advance from Reeth Post Office (01748 884201) or East Windy Hall Gallery (01748 884316).