"…a proof that the expression of jazz trios is far from exhausted…"
Jan Hocek (JazzPort, CZ)
Half Easy Trio is an international contemporary jazz band which was formed in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, in 2018. All compositions are written by Martin Hafizi and organically combine styles such as classical music, Bulgarian folklore music and many different subgenres of jazz. Each performance of the band turns into a sonic exploration journey as well as a deep search of rich textures, beauty, energy, power and drama.
"…the trio requires full attention and dedication to the music that rejects any kind of superficiality."
Tom Beetz (Jazzflits, NL)
In October 2019 the band released their well-received debut album "Dark is Bright" under the label "Optomusic" (NL) and presented it at some of the finest Dutch venues such as Bimhuis, De Doelen, Tivoli Vredenburg and Paradox among others. Their second record "One Step Back, Two Steps Forward" featuring the Ukranian singer Tamara Lukasheva came out in May 2023. The album is a collection of material written during the pandemic.
Half Easy Trio has been touring The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Bulgaria, it is a winner of the prestigious competition "Keep an Eye: The Records" (NL) and a grant recipient from the "Droom en Daad" Foundation (NL).
Jan Hocek (JazzPort, CZ)
Half Easy Trio is an international contemporary jazz band which was formed in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, in 2018. All compositions are written by Martin Hafizi and organically combine styles such as classical music, Bulgarian folklore music and many different subgenres of jazz. Each performance of the band turns into a sonic exploration journey as well as a deep search of rich textures, beauty, energy, power and drama.
"…the trio requires full attention and dedication to the music that rejects any kind of superficiality."
Tom Beetz (Jazzflits, NL)
In October 2019 the band released their well-received debut album "Dark is Bright" under the label "Optomusic" (NL) and presented it at some of the finest Dutch venues such as Bimhuis, De Doelen, Tivoli Vredenburg and Paradox among others. Their second record "One Step Back, Two Steps Forward" featuring the Ukranian singer Tamara Lukasheva came out in May 2023. The album is a collection of material written during the pandemic.
Half Easy Trio has been touring The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Bulgaria, it is a winner of the prestigious competition "Keep an Eye: The Records" (NL) and a grant recipient from the "Droom en Daad" Foundation (NL).
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Franz von Chossy (Germany) - Piano Franz studied at the Conservatory of Amsterdam with Rob Madna, Karel Bohlee and Rob van Bavel. Then he moved to New York to study at the Manhattan School of Music with Kenny Barron, Dave Liebman, Kenny Werner, Gary Dial, John Taylor, among others. In New York Franz also studied film composition with Edward Green. He has performed throughout Europe and the US as well as Asia (China, India, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey), Africa (Tunisia, Morocco) and Australia. Besides touring all around the world with his own trio and quintet, he is currently very active with other well-known bands such as Arifa, Alex Simu Quintet, Pascal Schumacher Quartet, etc. - 1st prize and Best Soloist - "Dutch Jazz Competition" - 2nd prize - "Montreux Jazz Solo Piano Competition” |
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Johannes Fend (Austria) - Double Bass Johannes obtained his double Bachelor’s degree in the jazz and the classical department of the Prince Claus Conservatory, Groningen. In 2018 he finished his Master’s degree in Codarts University of the Arts, Rotterdam. During his studies, Johannes had the chance to study and play with musicians out of the New York jazz scene such as David Berkman, Paul Berner, Matt Wilson, Todd Coolman, Alex Sipiagin. He also had the pleasure to perform with the Bossa Nova legend Wanda Sa at the International Choro Festival (US) as well as with Nelson Latif at Bimhuis (NL). In 2020 Johannes became a member of the band of Aynur Dogan with whom he is touring in Europe and Turkey. - 1st prize - "Leiden Jazz Award" - Best Soloist - "Erasmus Jazz Prize" |
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Martin Hafizi (Bulgaria) - Drums Martin studied jazz drums in Codarts University for the Arts, Rotterdam, and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in 2016. Two years later he graduated from the pop department of Codarts with a Master’s degree. Through the years Martin has won numerous solo and ensemble awards (Spain, France, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Russia). He has also had the chance to play festivals around Europe and Asia such as A to JazZ Festival (Bulgaria), Taichung Jazz Festival (Taiwan), Grachtenfestival (The Netherlands), Urbano Dejanje (Slovenia) and perform with world-renowned musicians such as Billy Harper, Niti Ranjan Biswas, Georg Breinschmid, Antoni Donchev, etc. - 1st prize - "Keep an Eye: The Records" - 1st prize - "Erasmus Jazz Prize" |
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