Cadence (USA) augugust 2010 by David Franklin

....Whatever the ambiance, the music is well-conceived and inter- esting and the improvisations top quality. Colen plays swinging tenor in a somewhat Rollinsesque manner (his soprano is generally reserved for the more pensive tracks) and his colleagues operate in a mode and at a level consistent with his own...READ MORE

Jazzreview.com (USA) Mai 2010 by Randall Parrish

Free is the title of the fourth release on the Sweet Briar Music label for the Ad Colen Quartet. Covering a wide-ranging scope of tuneful sound-vistas, this newly restructured Dutch Jazz Quartet put forward a collection of compositions imaginatively full of richness and depth. The title Free is appropriate. The Ad Colen Quartet are unobstructed by any restrictive limits, and stretch out to meet whatever creative artistic ideas best suit their jazzy endeavors.Free is sophisticated and full of powerfully involving pieces which exhibit a sense of unity and, in my mind, classify as works of art. The Netherlands has reason to be proud of groups such as The Ad Colen Quartet. They strive as “keepers of the flame” to make sure that the Jazz tradition is kept alive throughout the globe. .....READ MORE

Jazzenzo 10 juli 2010 by Mischa Andriessen Review of concerts NorthSea Jazzfestival 2010
……The concert of the Ad Colen Quartet was much more swinging. This group has produced a very strong cd and they interpreted the compositions very strong live...READ MORE

Jazzpodium (Germany) March 2010 by Markus Koehler

........ Ad Colen is a saxophonist living in Utrecht, and is one of the best examples that at least in the Netherlands, jazz is as alive and well as it always has been, and has no worries about new strength to drive it forward. The Ad Colen Quartet is not in Europe to merely faithfully reinterpret American jazz greats, be they alive or dead, or even to assist them if the need arises…. they have broken free.
This ensemble also delivers more than just time-keeping and harmony for the soloist – they dialogue with the soloist, rein him in or let him fly. They turn the group on its head and you have to ask “Who’s the leader here?” This leads to an electrifying album of a soloist and an ensemble with genuine personality.....

Jazz 2010 No. 1 XXXXX by Angelique van Os:
......Free is an album that exudes class, both in relation to the collective performance and the individual improvisations. It has a contemporary freshness to it and completely lives up to expectations in terms of musical artistry. Colen certainly belongs to the top and there is a strong unison between him and his band......

www.draaiomjeoren.com Josien Lucassen, 27.12.09:
Ad Colen is a band leader / saxophonist of many qualities, endowed with technical expertise and emphatic ability. He composes, leads the band and encourages all of its members to contribute at an individual level, and this is a determiner of the quartet's success.
Colen leads and provides accompaniment to the band in a very open and respectful way. He makes a strong contribution and makes sure the timing is exactly right in the dominant themes. Sometimes his sax sounds abrasive, while at other times he produces a powerful open sound with a lot of air. In this way he helps his quartet to achieve the right ambiance at all times.

Ton Ouwehand – Jazzism 9-09

What the media had to say about ‘Free’:
“This is highly structured, tastefully construed jazz music. A lot of musicians will be able to enjoy Colen’s compositions. Jazzbands looking for a fresh repertoire might want to explore Colen’s oeuvre”.

Guuz Hoogaerts - Revu 6-09
“The tone is light, sometimes dreamlike, with rich detail and solid compositions. This is how beautiful jazz can be. The cover photo shows Colen laughing out loud and in my opinion he has every reason to do so”.

. Frank van Herk - De Volkskrant 6-09
“As soon as you hear the opening number, the beautiful sound of Colen’s tenor sax touches you: an old-fashioned belly-sound, but flexible, in the tradition of Rollins, but with a personal touch”

Mischa Andriessen - Jazzenzo 9-09
“...This is an album produced by driven musicians who at first glance appear to move in the field of mainstream jazz, but who are actually making a type of music that is all their own”.

Hans Invernizzi - Jazzflits 10-09
“There is no shying away from melodious and harmonious tour de force, but above all else this album is characterized by people playing together in a very groovy way...”

Well balanced and surprising concert of Ad Colen at the opening of the jazzseason of The Burcht. ‘Leidsch Dagblad by Ken Vos september 30 2006
...Right at the beginning of the concert it is evident that the saxophoneplayer knows how keep his music interesting and surprising.
What makes this band striking is it’s performance.
First of all the compositions, that have unexpected harmonic element in it that create a lot of possibilities for the improvisators.
Ad Colen solo’s in a very accurate way with a lot of attention for harmony and suspence. On tenor he has a solid and warm sound and he displays a remarklabe control of the sopranosaxophone.He often suggests different dynamic layers. That way the music keeps drawing the attention of the listener.
The Ad Colen is one of the most interesting Dutch jazzbands at this moment....

Koran Tempo Jakarta sat march 11 2006 Erasmushuis Jakarta
Ectasy Ad Colen... The atmosphere became even more hotter at the start of the second set. It starts of with another composition of Ad Colen. The crowd is going wild at the ’bluesy’ touch of the composition ‘Lonesome cowboy’.. It is an ode to Lucky Luke.During the last three pieces there is no holding back for the audience anymore . It starts screaming, shouting and applauding very enthousiastically.
The big smiles of the audience after the concert, show that this was the legendary
concert they dreamed of.

Jazzism autumn 2006 nr.3 Ken Vos XXXX
... It’s the contrast between the complex soulful improvisations and it’s light rythmical touch which is the biggest attraction of Bitter but Sweet.
Colen is a thoughtful player with a nice easy tone. He understands how to keep the listeners attention by unexpected ideas. The high level of the compositions and the sophisticated playing makes this a very strong acoustic jazzalbum.

Luc De Baets Jazz Mosaic, ( Belgian jazzmagazine) January 2006
An outstanding quartet from Holland. Well-used to playing together, with a balanced sound: what the Americans call “a working band”. For the most part, they play fine compositions by Ad Colen, original and carefully worked out. A solid sound from a solid group. Colen plays smoothly on tenor sax; on soprano sax he is outstanding. Pianist Rob van Bavel, previously underrated, is now coming more and more to the fore following a period of relative quietness, and not only with this quartet. Less known are Bassist Erik Robaard and drummer Jasper van Hulten, who make an exceptional contribution to this quartet. A striking, rich musical spectrum: evidence of the post-bop legacy of the main players in this talented configuration. The album has been assiduously constructed, with a refreshing adjustment in mood and rhythm.
Absorbing music for spoiled jazz aficionados.

Jazz is still being made which swings and sounds contemporary.
Text: Remco Takken www.kindamuzik.nl
Sometimes we hear about acoustic jazz having had its day. If we believe Ken Burns, the creator of the TV series ‘JAZZ’, there's been little or no development on the musical front since the death of John Coltrane. But think about it for a minute, and you will realise this is not true. Granted, there have been setbacks. New albums often have that nostalgic sound, as if they were recorded in 1965. A disappointed public deserves better than this.
But good jazz is still being created. Have a listen to Bitter But Sweet from the Dutch saxophonist Ad Colen and his quartet. So why does his approach have something that others don't have? For one thing, his music is not recorded with the misty kind of sound that's playing at the back of the mind of recording companies such as Blue Note or Prestige. This jazz CD is from 2005, sound engineered by Micha de Kanter who has succeeded in creating a fresh, contemporary sound.
Colen’s masculine tenor has solid backing from the deep-sounding string bass of Erik Robaard, who chooses to use an amplifier, and why shouldn't he? Making the string bass more audible allows drummer Jasper van Hulten to let rip wherever the music needs that additional bit of emphasis. Van Hulten's drumming is reminiscent of the heavy roll of the cymbals by the old Elvin Jones. But compared with Jones' intense sound on his Impulse LPs, what rings through here is the vibrant percussion break backed by the superbly balanced snare drum, sometimes even without the steel threads which give this drum its nameThe piano, too, played by Rob van Bavel, has departed from the traditional jazz routine. We now hear at last the dynamics of the left hand. The rhythmically placed chords of Van Bavel drive the music.

Consistent quality from the Ad Colen Quartet
Review by Cees van de Ven www.draaiomjeoren.com jazz en meer weblog
Monday, 11 November 2005, Kraaij & Balder, Eindhoven
It was the second time that the Ad Colen Quartet were invited back to play here, and that speaks volumes. Backed on the night by pianist, Gé Bijvoet (standing in for Rob van Bavel, who was ill), this fine saxophonist and composer really deserves to be heard. The band performed many pieces from their recently-released album, 'Bitter But Sweet'. Playing tenor and soprano sax in turn, Ad Colen was backed by Erik Roobaart on bass and by Jasper van Hulten on drums.Their repertoire consisted of old and new numbers, all composed by Colen except for one piece, Geert Roelofs' ballad, 'Aagje'. What stands out in Colen's compositions is his preference for melody. Apposite lyrics which allow the freedom for stirring improvisations. His genre: a modern, post-bop idiom that is always intelligible. A programme of ballads, with a Latin-feel and catchy numbers.
Gé Bijvoet was first-rate and adequately compensated for Van Bavel's absence. Apart from the odd hesitation due to lack of familiarity with the repertoire, his performance was superb. Erik Roobaarts' bass work again was outstanding, rendered in a steady, secure tone, full of body. His solo piece in Roelofs' 'Aagje' was wonderful, as was the inspired playing by Bijvoet. On both saxophones, Colen generated a sound that was pointed, supple and amiable. He is pre-eminently a storyteller, at once expressive and convincing. With his fine interpretation of 'Camiel', exquisitely accompanied by the other musicians, he had the audience spellbound. Jasper van Hulten's 'reading' of the quartet's playing was intelligent, his percussion proficiently complementing and contributive. In this company, his playing is laid back, yet very musical, with colour and great empathy. A truly exceptional jazz evening from the Ad Colen Quartet.
From:

Heaven 6 2005blz 57 Jo Didder

Fine work of topmusicians
The first thing that stands out when you start listening to this album is the extremely beautiful and robust tone of tenor & sopranosaxophoneplayer Ad Colen. The bandleader sounds warm and powerfull and only that element already makes it worth listening to ‘Bitter but Sweet’. And with a band where pianist Rob van Bavel, bassist Erik Robaard and drummer Jasper van Hulten give a superb performance, there’s nothing that can go wrong.
The strong compositions that are mainly written by by Ad Colen are not completely my cup of tea. That’s a matter of taste, sometimes its’a a little too mannered for my taste.
On the other hand there are beautiful compositions like Colens ‘Camiel’, a pretty ballad where the beginningtones refer to the old standard The Nearness of you, the pleasant song Shine of Tet Koffeman and a little song Aagje of drummer Geert Roelofs.
De cd has a warm organic sound and is wrapped is an equally beautiful digipack. Altogether this cd must be recommended to everybody who likes well played modern acoustic jazz.

Jaap Lüdeke (ConcertZender/JazzFlits/Downbeat)

“Bitter but Sweet’ of the Ad Colen Quartet deserves all attention.
The leader/saxophoneplayer (tenor & and sopranosaxophone) of the band, especially is in commando of the sopranosaxophone which is often not an easy instrument to control. But he also is a very personal and original composer. Compliments also for the musically way of playing of the other band members.

Raken`Dra Smit NTB Muziekwereld Nr 2 2005

This is the third album of the Utrecht based composer/saxophoneplayer Ad Colen.
The cd contains contemporary jazz composed by bandleader Ad Colen, Rob van Bavel, Geert Roelofs and Tet Koffeman.
Ad Colen is accompanied by Rob van Bavel – piano, Erik Robaard – double bass, and Jasper van Hulten –drums.
The quartet has found a natural balance between contemporary jazz and other modern styles of music. It plays tight and functional, saxophoneplayer Colen gets all the space and groove to solo in a very warm and deep way.
He knows how to charm and bite at the same time with his sound. Vulcanic,dynamic,spherical are the keywords. Pianist Rob vab Bavel, also gets all the space to shine, impressive.
The whole production sounds very well, recorded in Wisseloord mixed at Bytonstudios and masterd at Studio Leroy. `They have taken no chances.
The artwork also is made beautifully.
To finish off, every jazzcafé must have this cd.!

AvantGarde / augustus 2005 Franc Craanen

...also jazz and very lovely is the new album 'Bitter but Sweet'.of the Ad Colen Quartet. The Dutchmen really can blow their Horn. Ad Colen has fully command of the tenor- and sopranosaxophone and is probably one of the best of this little country...

Jazz website www.draaiomjeoren.com Jacques Los June 27 2005
Entitled ‘Bittersweet’ Dutch saxophonist Ad Colen has just released his third album.
The title can be interpreted as very contemporary and heated mainstream music. Music that moves between hardbop and the avant-
Harmonious and structured with plenty of space for advanced ‘outside’ improvisations.
Colen’s beautiful round and robust sound on tenor saxophone is perfectly matched and supported by the other members of the quartet.
On soprano, too, Colen plays with great ease and agility. His improvisation whilst adventurous remain XXXXXXX and melodic.
Six of the nine compositions on this cd are composed by Colen himself and here he shows his true musicianship.
Camiel is a beautiful ballad featuring a convincing solo by bassist Erik Robaard.
The up-tempo, ‘Monkian’ composition, System Overload provides Colen and pianist Rob van Bavel the perfect vehicle to display their true virtuosity and inventiveness. Van Bavel plays a prominent role throughout the album. Blessed with superb technique and an arsenal of musical ideas. His comping and solos have a big quality.
Jasper van Hulten is a perfect, musical and good listening drummer in this quartet. No five stars for this production because the inspiring and impressive crossing border level of the concert of mai 21 in the Sju jazz Podium was no completely fetched on the cd.

Ton Ouwehand Tubantiapers Ma june 20 2005
Beautiful Colen
Ad Colen, remember this name when it concerns tenor and sopranosaxophone.
Anyone who can have Rob van Bavel in his band belongs to an interesting group of artists.
That’s also the case with Ad Colen.
But he profiles himself as an extraordinary saxophonist with an incredibal gift for composing.Very modest the cover tells that all compositieons are by Colen except the one of Rob van Bavel, but it doesn’t tell who has arranged them.
It sound as if there has been a lot of thinking on this part.The way the music of Colen sounds here is remarkable. There is so much happening, the listener has no time to wander of with his thoughts
It’s the music that keeps shaking awake the listener.
Also the keen way in which the other members of the band, Erik Robaard and Jasper van Hulten play their instruments contributies to this. The cd is for sale in the qualitycd shop and on the Ad Colen website

De Limburger do 16-6-2005 Paul Van der Steen
Most saxophoneplayer are able to show of with acrobatics and stunting on their instrument. But the really good musicians reveal themselfs when they play a ballad, when it is not possible any more to hide after some tricks and it’s the feeling that has to do the job. Ad Colen, who lives in Utrecht, but who is born in Geleen succes in this very easy. Although he maybe is not yet very well known in the Dutch jazz world he shows that he is of great class.
Also in his up-tempo pieces his motto is “less is more”.
The other members of the quartet also fit in into this approach.
Only in the composition ‘Shine’ the quartet exagerates a little. But the last piece ‘Aagje’, a wunderfull composition of the Heerlen based drummer Geert Roelofs,who contributed this song to his sister, makes you forget that.

Jeroen Valk Amersfoortse courant on the Amersfoorste Jazzfestival mai 2005
... The highlight of the festival on saturday was the Ad Colen Quartet and special quest Angelo Verploegen. The band played amongs others a tribute to Lucky Luke, that was named ‘Lonesome Cowboy’. With a plaintive sopranosaxophone, bluesy pianolicks, and a very lazy beat the band created the image of an extensive prairie with a lonesome cowboy heading for the descending sun in the horizon....

 Review by: Tammy Childs on the cd EYES WIDE OP

www.dailyvault.com
Originally published: August 12, 2005
 Coming out of the Netherlands, this frothy group performs the music of jazz musician Ad Colen, the band's namesake saxophone player and main songwriter, but that does not necessarily mean they are jazz-oriented.
 But this CD is, as Colen realized the direction he wanted to move after touring for a year with "Up With People." He, along with Rob van Bavel on piano, Erik Robaard on double bass and Chris Strik on drums, create a jazz disc alternating between slower pieces that showcase their talent and frenetic faster pieces that are just a bit too frantic.
 "Massive Move" is dramatic and theatrical, expressively highlighting the horns, moving into a simplistic piano presentation and then ending with the horns again. "Moments" slows down the exuberant nature a bit and provides subtlety with romantic flair. Although still lively and with a generous amount of energy, the band gathers those fragmented pieces to form a cohesive picture"Bad Motha" made me think of a whole different genre than jazz, and I still can't figure out why Colen chose that name for this song. Is this supposed to be the hardcore side of jazz? Not likely, although the piano work is expressive and the drum work makes an excellent companion. Also noteworthy is the warm and syrupy "Sweet Briar," the best of the collection in that it proudly showcases the sax abilities of Colen. I prefer the softer choices like this, as this is where his true talent proves itself.
 "Eyes Wide Open" is a frantic, frenzied number and not to my liking. The fragments are a bit too shattered, as they are in "Mind Twist." But I accept this as the nature of jazz and it doesn't diminish my feelings for the album as a whole.
 Colen wants to have a conversation with his listeners and he believes in improvisation, a quality perfect for jazz. With jazz there is room for experimentation and movement, and he isn't afraid to approach either with fervor. Colen has said he makes music because he can't create art, but it is art that he creates on this CD, making a picture with the notes that is not unlike walking through an art gallery.
 I have always found jazz to be somewhat exhausting -- trying to grasp at the loose notes and trying to connect the moving musical dots, so to speak, is tiring. But this CD is quite the opposite. It is animated and peppy but doesn't wear the listener down. Ad Colen's complicated, multi-level talent is what makes Eyes Wide Open fun.
 

Concert Duo Gé Bijvoet – Ad Colen om june the 5th 2004 Herman Krebberconcerthall in Cultura Ede
Ede Post june 9 2004 by Bep Vonk
It has for a while that a short series of concerts was filled with jazz.
It was about time, cause these past years, there was not much jazz to listen to at “Ede uit de Kunst”. This short concert was not much at all, but the quality was outstanding.
Saxophoneplayer / teacher Ad Colen succeeded in convincing the audience that jazz is a serious artform to listen to, even when the program starts with the known standardtune Autumn Leaves.
Ad Colen is one of the top saxophoneplayers of Holland.
He not only has a very warm tone on his instrument, he understands the art of leaving notes away and thus creating space and a great amount of tension.
He always knows to communicate with the audience leaving them touched by his music.
Thanks to pianist Gé Bijvoet the duo was able to create an well balanced and exciting atmosphere. He is a pianist with an enormous amount of originalty and an extraordinary composer, which was proven by his piece the duo played at last: Myosotis.
To recapitulate, this series of concerts of teachers of Cultura needs to be repeated.
The musicdepartment of Cultura has the quality to do so.

Cees van de Ven www.draaiomjeoren.com ( jazzsite )
The jazzpower of the Ad Colen Quartet in Kraaij & Balder 13 june 2003
On the last evening of this season of Jazz at the Crow where a lot of highclassjazzplayers payed, the Ad Colen Quartet performed.
It was going to be a memorable evening and one of the highlights of the season.
The quartet consists of only topmusicians! They thrilled the audience with the compositions of Ad Colen. This tenorplayer, (who studied with Ferdinand Povel ) and his quartet prooved that modern jazz doesn't need to be elitist.
They all were able to transmit their musical stories in a clear en interesting manner.
It didn't matter if they were playing the newer or old material. They joy of playing touched the audience. The quartet just recently toured succesfully through Indonesia. And the title of the song ' Udara' must be choosen as a result of the big heat during the concerts over there. In the ballad ' Camiel' Colen used his powerfull tenorsound to the fullest to communicate in an emotional way.
They ended the first set with the piece 'Eyes Wide Open', which is also the title of their superb second CD. Ad Colen and Rob van bavel gave some brilliant and narrative long solo's, and Erik Robaard moved the audience with a very penetrating solo. In 'comme vous voulez' with Colen on soprano, again some 'bavelianic arpeggios, the key didn't get any rest.
The concert when to a finale with the energetic piece ' Massive Move' with a basssolo when ended pp and got out of sight, to get into an unaccompanied solo of Rob. Chris Strik, who recently already impressed at a concert with Jos Beeren, was again present with a lot of humor, drive and groove. He understands the art of listening, he puts accents, marks the right places, colors the lines and puts oil on the fire. This quartet swings like hell!
At this moment Ad is in the process of creating new compositions for a new cd to be released soon. There also will be some compositions of Rob van bavel on this one.
This quartet is unique, geneous, and has a identity of his own.
A jazzgroup with such a quality and stature deserves far more attention.
Soon there bwill pictures and mp3files of this concert on our site.

• Leeuwarder Courant 6 november 2000
Concerthall De Harmonie Leeuwarden / J. Haagsma
Just as most jazzgroups that perform in the Harmonie, Ad Colen and his men are Dutch. Still Hothouse organizer Ben Scheper introduced the band with an affected american accent. And he had a reason to do so.
Ad Colen and his fellowbandmembers are part of an generation of jazzmusicians that are inspired by the American jazztradition.
Compared to the dutch avantgarde tradition he may have a litlle less clear identity, but he makes up with other things. Sometimes, it’s as if you’re listening to one of the more adventurous sessions of the famous Blue Note label of the midsixties. Just to put the group in a frame of reference. But there is far more going on! And that defines the character of this quartet. Take a look at the personal and opinionated character of the compositions, like Bad motha. A capricious theme, partly played in unisone by piano,tenor and bass, which is the vehicle for some great harmonic explorations. Rob van Bavel shows that he is capable of holding in and support Colen’s solo by not playing.
The compositions bring out the best of the musicians.
Ad Colen is an skillfull stylist, who can explode on his tenor and show his more elegant side on the soprano. The carefully constructed solos of Van Bavel are also of great importance just like his skills as an accompanist.
Drummer Chris Strik received the greatest applause. His wild and energetic solos and his sometimes modest way of accompaning define a big part of the groupsound. His solo on the beginning of Massive Move was an exhibition of power, which not much drummers can live up to.

• AVANTGARDE nr. 6 june 2000
Ad Colen Quartet /Eyes wide open
Jazz has a better reputation than a few years ago, but it’s still not the thing. People are perhaps , uneasy with all the different sounds.Nonsense. The Ad Colen Quartet proves that jazz can be exquisite and amusing to listen to. All compositions are written by the master of the house, Ad Colen himself, and here he is at his very best. Massive Move,Sweet Briar and Tula are jewels. Cleverly composed, and cunningly produced . Jazz without freaky fddle.
Don’t think this a Grandcafé kind of music for a sunday afternoon, cause Eyes Wide Open is far beyond that. If you think you’re not ready for it yet, at least buy it for your mother. Succes guaranteed. ****

• Jazzpodium (Germany) oktober 2000
Friendly,not to heavy but progressive mainsteam is what Ad Colen,the tenor and sopranosaxophonist from Utrecht offers on his new cd ‘Eyes Wide Open’, together with Rob van Bavel(p), Erik Robaard(b) and Chris Strik(dr).
The nine originals, a perfect mixture of action, spirit and soulful ballads.maybe don’t equal the invention of the wheel but show great skills, an open state of mind and a great amount of consciousness in coming to the point musically. Jazzpodium (Tobias Bocker

• Pianowereld Augustus / september 2000
Better than the movie
There are records that tell you from the first few measures that it’s going to be good, even if you’re not convinced by the well designed cd booklet.This is modern jazz with a self-evident and energetic groove, powerfull chords, and flowing melodies. For once I overcame my aversion to everlasting saxophonesolos. Ad Colen is not someone who likes to hear himself a lot. In addition, bassist Erik Robaard who never seeks to much attention but is always grooving ,keeps up the excitement with the extravert drum animal Chris Strik. And then, piano tiger Rob van Bavel jumps out of of the box like a devil.
What he exebits on the piano, like it almost takes no effort. I immediatly want to play again his solo in the first piece .
A technical bruiser with a light subtle touch, what an improbable talent.
The low-key launching of ‘Eyes Wide Open’ is in a shrill contrast to the
blown up excitement with which Stanley Kubricks movie ‘Eyes wide shut’ was released, I but I can assure you, it is far more satisfactory.
Now the distribution company Via-records is out of business temporarily, you can best order the cd via Ad Colen (0031-30-24475460 (Jeroen Warner)

• Volkskrant 25-5-2000 column: also released
Ad Colen Quartet: Eyes wide open. Sweet Briar Music
The second cd of tenor- and sopranosaxophonist Colen, with original compositions in a contemporary bopreading.
A perfectionist performance, sometimes a little to clean, with surprising capers in the title composition.

• Sonny Rollins june 2000
“Keep up the good work”

• De Limburger 6-4-2000
Ad Colen Quartet’ Eyes wide open’
A beautiful sound, but not yet a big name in jazzland.
Naked, the debut album of saxophonist Ad Colen and his quartet has had as regards content everything to establish his name. His pianist then, Michiel Borstlap served as a attention drawer. But still, Naked was not a breakthrough. The follow up ‘Eyes wide open’(Sweet Briar Music) is a bit unfortunate, as the distribution company Via-records who was going to distribute the cd, went bankrupt. Still, this is an album that again deserves more attention. Rob van Bavel has taken the place of Michiel Borstlap. And it sounds like the quartet has found much more soul and ebullience. Ad Colen himself has grown, on tenorsax but foremost on sopranosaxophone his sound has gotten more tenderness. The man from Utrecht who was was raised in Geleen, plays less with his brains and more with his heart, cleverly bypassing sentimental clichés.
(Paul van der Steen)

• Jazznews SLIM Lucia M.J. Geurts
Ad Colen Quartet - Eyes wide open (Viajazz)
Somewhat different than the glamourous presentation of Jean Heassens cd was the cd promotionconcert of Ad Colen, monday 20th of march in Marks & kampstra’s. That was jazz as it should be: heart-warming, exciting, and fun to watch, also due to the intensive efforts of drummer Chris Strik, the great devotion of pianist Rob van Bavel, bassist Erik Robaard and Colen himself on tenor-sopranosaxophone.
I’ve heard Colen, who first first studied in Maastricht and later on in Hilversum a couple of times, and his new cd is a wonderful result of the hard work and musical growth of the last couple of years.The struggle with his technique, which in the past had some influence on his playing, has disappeared completely. His technique now serves him to do what he wants. The compositions on Eyes Wide Open, also the more lyrical ballads, are characterized by an enormous drive, surprising tempochanges and a style which maybe is not new but very personal. Colen doesn’t play with much frills but never becomes tedious. Pianist Rob van Bavel has a light moving touché which amplifies and combines perfectly. This is Colen’s second album. His first one ( Naked1997 Viajazz) he made with Michiel Borstlap on the piano. Colen has never been sitting still, and likes a lot of variety. Besides the work with his quartet, he co-operates in several freelanceprojects, like Niña Morena, where music ( sang by Tet Koffeman) has been written on poems of the Chilian poet Pablo Neruda .”I want to taste as many as different things. A piece of 12 measures that’s complete, or composing real songs “.

“... Not only is this musician blessed with talent, an emotional sound and a healthy outlook towards perfection, but he is also committed to finding memorable and attractive ways of expressing himself.” Leeuwarder Courant“

... It’s not unusual to question whether or not in this day and age, if it is still possible to excite jazz fans with the typical sounds of a quartet? One should take time to listen to Ad Colen’s CD. Place it in the Cd player, sit back and you will find out just how possible it is.” Ab Schaap B.I.N. Code Selmer“.

..Ad Colen could not have chosen a better title for his CD Debut. His current Cd “Naked” shows his originality and proves that more is not always better. Ad continues to prove this point throughout the CD.” Daily Limburger“

...one will be drawn to the diverse colors and the warm sound of his saxophone in a way that reminds of Coltrane’s devotion.” JazzNu“

... the concert turned out to be a real happening . Those who think that modern jazz is passé, are truly missing out on this happening. The drive , commitment and blend of this quartet are enormous.” Ede stad

”..Zeitlos moderne Jazzmusik spielt das Quartett um den niederländische Saxophonisten Ad Colen, der seine acht Eigenkompositionen wunderbar eingerahmt von Michiel Borstlap, p, Erik Robaard, b, und Chris Strik, dr, energetisch und doch ungemein relaxed auf Tenor und Sopran erklingen lässt. Elegant in den Balladen, frech und forderend in den up-tempos harmoniert das Quartett vortrefflich. Eine hörenswerte Produktion.” Thomas Lang, JazzPodium“.

..catchy grooves and strong melodies are a guide for his solos. Every member of the band gets a chance to tell his own story. Colen treats his audience to exquise presents with his carefully selected notes and his sound that holds between the robust sound of the heavy tenors and the more sophisticated feel of Lester Young. “ Jeroen de Valk, Utrechts Nieuwsblad