This is Water – Ben Van Gelder & Reinier Baas (NL)

“With saxophone and guitar alone, Ben van Gelder and Reinier Baas sound like an entire orchestra.”
— Volkskrant

Saxophonist Ben van Gelder and guitarist Reinier Baas proudly announce the release of their third collaborative record, This Is Water. The album is a testament to their unique artistic synergy, rooted in the American jazz tradition while infused with unmistakable European flair. Drawing from a shared musical vocabulary developed over 15 years of collaboration, Baas and van Gelder effortlessly navigate a diverse range of moods and atmospheres.

Four deeply authentic musicians — each greatly admired by the duo — make guest appearances on This Is Water. Baas and van Gelder wrote new music specifically for each artist, creating tailor-made compositions designed as expressive vehicles that highlight their individual strengths, with a strong focus on improvisation.

Pianist Cory Smythe contributes singular, ethereal textures, challenging the duo to venture into unknown microtonal territory. Drummer Jeff Ballard — a childhood hero to both musicians — radiates a profound understanding of music and its power to connect and communicate selflessly. The album also features drummer Han Bennink and pianist Marta Warelis, both uncompromising artists willing to sacrifice perfection in pursuit of emotional resonance.

This Is Water takes inspiration from the commencement speech of the same name by American novelist David Foster Wallace. In the speech, Wallace presents the following parable:

“There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says “Morning, boys. How’s the water?” The two young fish swim on for a bit, eventually one of them looks over at the other and asks “What the hell is water?”

With this parable, Wallace introduces the idea that individuals should exercise conscious choice to interpret reality. He suggests that through “simple awareness,” people possess the freedom to find significance and liberation even in the most mundane aspects of life.

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