Bebop poetry

Bebop Poetry is a band formed in 2021 that brings a unique blend of spoken word, jazz, and storytelling. The group consists of spoken word artist Kenny Gomes, saxophonist Martijn van Ditshuizen, bassist Lars Hoogland, drummer Rafael Slors, and pianist Gabo Vos.

Kenny and Martijn met during the theatre production Cirkels 2.0, in which Kenny shared his personal story. Their creative connection led to the founding of Bebop Poetry. Together with the rest of the band, they developed a captivating sound that fuses jazz and poetry into a powerful form of storytelling.

A major source of inspiration for their work is Kenny’s third theatre production, in which he delves deeply into themes such as intergenerational trauma, addiction, and the search for heroism. He explores how trauma is passed from parent to child and emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes rather than merely treating symptoms. The piece carries a message of hope, understanding, and healing.

In addition to their own performances, the band also developed the concept of The Jazz Lounge, evenings where contemporary artists present their work together with jazz. In doing so, Bebop Poetry not only creates a platform for their own music but also fosters innovative cross-pollination within the Dutch music scene.