“De integriteit van sound. Dat is waar muziek begint.” Saxofoniste Kika Sprangers (1994) raakt haar publiek met haar lyrische, melodieuze spel en karakteristieke geluid. Muzikaal uit ze zich niet alleen in haar saxofoonspel maar ook in eigen kleurrijke en meeslepende composities waarin melancholie en royale harmonieën de boventoon voeren.
Saxophonist Kika Sprangers (28-09-1994) touches her audience with her lyrical, melodious playing and characteristic sound. Musically, she expresses herself not only in her saxophone playing but also in her own colourful and compelling compositions in which melancholy and generous harmonies predominate.
In 2016, Sprangers completed her conservatory studies in Utrecht with a final exam concert that was rated ‘9 with distinction’. During her studies she was selected as leader of the saxophone section of the Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orkest conducted by Martin Fondse. The experience she gained during the tour with this orchestra has shaped her into the musician she is today: not afraid to stand out, to stand up and to bring a story to her listeners. Within the framework of the Jong Metropole (a collaboration with the NJO), she worked with star conductor, composer and arranger Jules Buckley (Metropole Orchestra).
Currently, Sprangers focuses on her quintet and Large Ensemble (an expansion of her quintet with the three singers Sanne Rambags, Anna Serierse and Marit van der Lei and a four-piece wind section). Highlights with these formations were at inJazz, Tivoli Cloud Nine, the Bimhuis, Sena Laureate Amersfoort Jazz and the Grachtenfestival. For the latter, Sprangers won the Grachtenfestival-pitch. She wrote a four-part suite based on works of art from “De Stijl”. In February 2017, she released her first EP “Leaves of Lily” with compositions of her own performed with both formations. This EP received four stars in the Parool and Sprangers was described as “a personality with a mature sound, flair and enthusiasm.”
Together with her ensembles, Kika toured the leading Dutch jazz venues and festivals last year as Young Vip (Bimhuis, LantarenVenster, Transition Festival) and played with her quintet at the North Sea Jazz Festival which was praised by Jazzism: “Sprangers lives up to all promises with a great set”. Sprangers also won the prize for the best arrangement and performance of “The One Step” (Peter Hertmans) at the international B-jazz contest. All about jazz described Sprangers as “a musical adventurer who shows strong growth and maturity”. In November she toured Indonesia with her quintet.
This year, she will record her debut album “Human Traits” with her Large Ensemble, tour China with her quintet, write the composition assignment for the Grachtenfestival, and perform on Dutch jazz stages with her Large Ensemble and quintet. Photographer Karen van Gilst has created a portrait series especially for Sprangers’ new compositions, which will visually support the music during the concerts. The adventurous ensemble strives for freedom within the musical framework imposed by Sprangers, so that each concert is a unique experience for both the musicians and the listeners.
