Moment for the Springband

Springband, fatal accident

More than 40 years ago, a fatal accident occurred with Willem van Manen's Springband. The band played in Baarle-Nassau in November 1983. After the concert, a van with Springband members returned to Amsterdam. The vehicle veered off the road due to the storm and stopped against a tree. Trumpeter Jeff Reynolds and trombonist Joep Maessen died instantly. Tenor saxophonist Maarten van Norden, trumpeter Louis Lanzing and bassist Harry Miller were seriously injured. Van Norden and Lanzing recovered after a long rehabilitation, but Miller succumbed to his injuries in hospital on December 16, 1983. Van Manen was severely affected and decided to disband his Springband.

The Social Fund for Jazz and Improvising Musicians was founded in March 1984 to support musicians from the Springband who were in financial need due to the accident.

Concert

Short solo and duo performances by Felicity Provan, Ada Rave, Albert van Veenendaal, Zofia Sofinka Imiela, Nora Mulder, Ab Baars and Joost Buis, and after the break All Ellington:

• Jodi Gilbert - vocals
• Michael Moore - alto sax, clarinet
• Ab Baars - tenor sax, clarinet (was part of the Springband)
• Peter van Bergen - baritone sax, clarinet
• Eric Boeren - cornet
• Jimmy Sernesky - trumpet
• Joost Buis, Gregor Sperzel & Maarten Combrink - trombone
• Mauro Cottone - bass
• Giacomo Camiletti - drums