Shaped and inspired by Rotterdam

The Turkish trombonist Efe Erdem has been living in Rotterdam since 2008. After studying at the Hacettepe Conservatory in Ankara, he graduated under the supervision of Bart van Lier and Ilja Reingoud at Codarts in Rotterdam in 2012. Erdem has been playing in orchestras and bands since childhood and loves improvisation. Re:Freshed Orchestra, Di-rect, Doe Maar and Anouk are just a few of his regular bands, but he’s also played as a sideman with countless international names, among them the O’Jays, Marcus Miller, Benny Golson, Tony Allen, Knower, bandmembers of the Rolling Stones, Snarky Puppy, Roy Hargrove, Bilal and Robert Glasper. In 2016, Erdem released his debut EP, called First Kiss.

The Pack Project

The Pack Project is an annual project by Jazz International Rotterdam. During the festival, talented young jazz musicians enjoy an opportunity to present themselves with their ‘Pack’, an exclusive band assembled by a chosen bandleader together with the artistic director of Jazz International.

This year’s leader is trombonist and composer Efe Erdem. We see in him an artist who can discover new directions by embracing the challenge offered to him. Erdem is a Rotterdammer with a Turkish background and is one of the members of Re:Freshed Orchestra. For years he has headed jam sessions and special bands at venues around the city, among them Dizzy, BIRD and Grounds. With his quality, his sound, his fusion of styles, and his story with the city, he has initiated a Pack Project that aligns perfectly with the festival goals. Rotterdam has inspired and made him the musician he is today. In our opinion, this challenge will culminate in a thrilling concert and help develop jazz music as an artistic discipline.

His work

“The hugely talented Efe, his enormous drive to bring out the best in himself, and his open attitude to music, have made him one of the best and most sought-after trombonists in the Netherlands. Yet the busy schedule of a ‘working musician’ can be an obstacle to further personal artistic development. With the Pack Project, Efe has a chance, and an ‘excuse’, to focus on his own work for an extended period, with a focus on personal development and new work,” says Hugo Dirkson, programmer and coordinator of Jazz International Rotterdam.