Kasper Rietkerk, KRSIX
Biography Kasper Rietkerk, KRSIX
Kasper Rietkerk
Award-winning saxophonist Kasper Rietkerk, renowned for his collaborations with esteemed artists such as Eddie Chacon, John Caroll Kirby and Jean Toussaint, has also been a member of the Emma Rawicz Jazz Orchestra. His diverse career includes appearances on various TV and radio programs, as well as contributing to the music composition for VPRO’s television series ‘Naar Bed’. In 2023, Kasper and his London-based sextet, KRSIX, recorded a full-length album set to be released on Zennez Records and launched at Pizza Express Soho on June 24, 2024. This album features original compositions by Kasper, arranged for his sextet along with a string quartet, and includes guest appearances by Emma Rawicz, Anatole Muster, and Immy Churchill.
Kasper began playing saxophone at a young age and was inspired by the sounds of saxophonists like Cannonball Adderley, Kenny Garrett, and Paul Desmond. After completing his bachelor’s degree, Kasper moved to London and graduated from his master’s at the Royal Academy of Music in 2023, where he received an award for his final exam performance.
With his Dutch group Das Sound Kollektiv, Kasper released two albums and an EP, most notably gaining success with their ‘+1’ release, which featured collaborations with various singers and rappers, including Ntjam Rosie, Ruben Hein, Rico, and Tennishu (Butcher Brown). Kasper is currently working on the release and tour of his debut album as a bandleader, having previously released his home-recorded and self-produced EP ‘alt.esc’ in February 2022
He is involved in other projects such as the Medan Trio, where he writes and performs improvised music accompanied by visual art. From 2019 till 2021, he played lead alto in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra from the Netherlands, which was led by Ruben Hein.
KRSIX
an instrumental sextet led by saxophonist Kasper Rietkerk, has been making waves in the London music scene since their debut in the spring of 2021. Their dynamic music is performed with great energy and expression, drawing comparisons to a mix between Brian Blade’s Fellowship and Radiohead. The band recently recorded a full-length album with a string quartet, featuring guest appearances from Anatole Muster, Emma Rawicz, and Immy Churchill. The album is set to be released on Zennez records with a launch at Pizza Express Soho in London on June 24th, 2024.
While rooted in jazz, KRSIX’s music is heavily influenced by rock, folk, and blues music. All the music is written and arranged by Kasper, who draws inspiration from his observations and experiences after moving to London. Kasper performs alongside Max McLeish (trombone), Alex Lockheart (guitar), Benji Bown (piano), Jonah Evans (drums), and Toby Yapp (double bass).
