Joris Vanvinckenroye - BASta! - 三

2025

BASta! 三, focuses on the theme of repetition. Repetition is the basis for rhythm, one of the main building blocks in Joris' work. Flowing lines, depth and relief draw the listener into a different experience of time as if time stands still for a moment or runs differently from the existing clock.

The number three (三), the album's title, has deep symbolic meanings in many cultures. It represents cycles such as past-present-future or birth-life-death and is associated with creativity, harmony and optimism. In Joris' music, this number reflects the search for balance and connection.

BASta! is the solo project of double bass player and composer Joris Vanvinckenroye, in which he explores and pushes the limits of the double bass. In this project, using looping and effect pedals, Joris creates an almost orchestral sound, using the full range of his instrument-from the deepest basses to the highest notes. These layered compositions weave complex rhythms and melodies into a rich and compelling soundscape.

BASta! was described by New Folk Sounds as a unique blend of ‘rocking acoustics’, where the layered compositions feel like a ‘sensual instrumental massage’ with a dynamic interplay of soft and powerful movements. With his solo project BASta! Joris brings to life a deep and personal musical vision, in which the double bass is not only the core, but acts as an orchestra on its own.

If you don't know better you would think that more instruments are covered, the sound of a violin is approximated by taking the thinnest string apart just above the comb, yet it is only the bass that rocks, swings, wails melancholically or convinces rhythmically.
- Mirjam Adriaans

Joris lays a foundation of bass runs and rhythmic patterns and plays melodies over them in the high registers. At certain moments, you seem to hear a string quartet.
- Hans van Deelen

It is magical to experience every time how he manages to push the musical limits of his instrument. A dozen aural paintings have become (again).
- Bart Vanoutrive

There's plucking, slapping and touches of enhancement; in fact, Vanvinckenroye does just about everything to his instrument except fly it around the room. This extravagant performance style produces a versatile range of expressions, all of which are adroitly put to use to craft tunes of exquisite beauty.
- Matt Howarth