... play Bass

Karel was born in Kortrijk (Belgium) in 1952. He started playing music in 1968 on a self-made one-string accoustic bass in a skiffle, folk and blues band. He began playing a proper double bass in a jazz band after a while.

Later he became a member of the Cotton City Jazz Band from Ghent. With this well known Belgium New Orleans style band he went on tours featuring New Orleans musicians like Freddy Kohlman, Alvin Alcorn, “Sing Miller” and Alton Purnell. He also started playing tuba in New Orleans style brass bands. From 1982 to 1984 he was a member of the Sammy Rimmington Band, which was also featuring guest stars, such as Louis Nelson, Thomas Jefferson, Kid Thomas or Al Casey.

After the time with Sammy Rimmington Karel was free-lancing and playing with all the top traditional jazz bands, and even with Cajun bands. He joined the The Swingcats (NL, B, D), an internationally renown band led by Frank Roberscheuten, which blends Swing, New Orleans jazz, Gospel, Rhythm & Blues and even Bebop. He is still with this band today.

Karel has become one of the most sought after bass players in Europe, because in addition to having a great natural acoustic sound he is contributing a great rhythmical pulse by using the percussive possibilities of his instrument.

As much as time allows him Karel is also involved in projects touching different musical styles: World Music, Folk, French chanson, Big Band music and most recently Brazilian Choro music.