By Patte Purcell
I interviewed this talented couple this morning at their home in Amsterdam over FB Messenger on my phone while they were making dinner. Naomi Adriaansz (tenor saxophone) and Tim Welvaars a jazz harmonica player are Amsterdam Connection. Their new CD (second for the duo) produced by multi-Grammy Award winning Paul Brown (he earned an impressive string of 70+ number one hits), is about to be released. Amsterdam Connection has just finished the recording of their new upcoming album, called Isn’t She Lovely A Tribute to Stevie Wonder (Tim performed with Stevie one time) It’s a full album of 10 instrumental Stevie Wonder songs, in a very soulful smooth jazz sound.
It features some of the best American musicians of the scene, including bass legend Nathan East, smooth jazz guitarist Paul Brown, jazz fusion guitarist Marc Antoine and Jessy J on flute.
Tim Welvaars (Amsterdam/Holland) has played and recorded with Stevie Wonder, Toots Thielemans, Kenny Burrell, Jose Feliciano, Ray Brown, Mel Lewis, Lee Ritenour, Jan Akkerman, The London Symphonic Orchestra, The Metropole Orchestra and many others.
As Toots Thielemans’ first and only student, Tim is continuously passing on his skill, as well as his love for music in general and the chromatic harmonica in particular.
Tim has had the honor of replacing both Toots Thielemans and Stevie Wonder in the studio, as well as being the only (other) harmonica player to be featured at Toots’ 75th birthday concert.
As an artist, Tim has recorded 28 solo CDs, and is featured as a soloist on over 300 CDs.
Besides chromatic harmonica, Tim plays saxophone and piano and is an active composer, arranger, conductor and producer.
Naomi is frequently asked, (inter)nationally featured, saxophonist, playing jazz as well as blues, funk and pop music. She’s shared the stage with some of the best jazz and blues artists in Holland and the United States, like Candy Dulfer, Leroy Jones (USA, Harry Conick Bigband), TK Blue (USA, Randy Weston African Rhtyhm Sextet), Paul Brown (Luther Vandross, All Jarreau), Roberto Vally (Randy Crawford, Spyro Gyra), Chazzy Green (USA, Brothers Johnson, Johnny Guitar Watson), Bruce James and Bella Black (USA, James and Black Soultet), Frits Landesbergen etc.
Besides all that, Naomi has played for 8 years in one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe. She is also an appreciated organizer. She organizes an educational jazz program for primary school pupils and a small jazz festival in Breda (NL).
They met 2 years ago when Naomi hosted a festival and quickly became a couple. Tim calls their music “Jazz with more than love.” To contact them visit their website at: www.AmsterdamConnection.net.
They will be opening up the music for the party on Sunday, Feb. 26, at Jazz at the Mansion, Latin Night.
Bob DeSena band will be appearing along with Alex Santana on guitar and a guest appearance by Canadian, Khea Emmanuel on vocals.
Jazz at the Mansion is a 420 friendly (recreational marijuana) meaning that you are welcome to bring your own.
There will be vendor gifts including tastings of Alien Tequila, (Anejo, Reposado, and Silver), The 420 Kitchen edibles, incredible appetizers from Johnathon and Mack from #TodoElDiaSoCalCateringServices who wowed the guests at the last Jazz at the Mansion. Cocktails (mixed) will be included as well although you are free to bring your own bottle if you prefer. Coachella Valley Weekly is also a sponsor. More to come!
To get an invitation to the party and a ticket link text your name and email to 1-702-219-6777 and we’ll put you on the list!
