Excitement From Underground by Jimmy Halperin, John Engels, and Thomas Winther Andersen is now available on all major streaming platforms.

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Amsterdam, The Netherlands – On Friday, June 13th, 2025, jazz fans are invited to experience the longawaited official release of Excitement From Underground — a historic session featuring Jimmy Halperin (tenor saxophone), John Engels (drums), and Thomas Winther Andersen (bass).
This electrifying trio recording was captured in 1996 in the intimate confines of John Engels’ underground studio in Amsterdam. For decades, it circulated unofficially as a treasured bootleg among musicians and jazz aficionados — passed hand to hand, whispered about in corners of the jazz world, and revered for its unique approach to classic jazz standards.

Tunes like Sweet Georgia Brown, Ghost of a Chance, Devil May Care, and Indiana are reimagined through sophisticated improvisation and intricate new melodic lines. The result is a refreshing perspective on familiar repertoire. Notably, Halperin’s pioneering use of sound effects on his tenor saxophone adds an experimental
layer to the session, deeply influencing the group’s interaction and creating a distinctive sonic atmosphere. Now, nearly 30 years later, Excitement From Underground sees its first official release — lovingly restored and remastered in high-quality audio by Markus Nordlund.

The album also serves as a tribute to John Engels, a cornerstone of the Dutch jazz scene. Just last month, Engels celebrated his 90th birthday with a sold-out concert at the Bimhuis and was honored as the first-ever recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Edison Award. At his celebration, he expressed joy upon learning
that this long-shelved recording would finally be shared with the public. Tenor saxophonist Jimmy Halperin, celebrated for his melodic vision and deep connection to the Lennie Tristano tradition, finds perfect counterparts in Engels’ signature blend of swing and sensitivity and Winther Andersen’s melodic, dynamic bass playing — giving the trio an expansive, layered sound.

“This was a one-of-a-kind moment,” says Winther Andersen. “We had some technical problems during the recording, a limited budget, and we ran out of tape. At the time, I didn’t realize how special it would become. It’s pure — no edits, no overdubs — just three musicians deeply exploring the music.”

Tracklist
1. Sub Atomic Dominants – Jimmy Halperin
2. Le Santé d’Esprit – Jimmy Halperin
3. Softly As in a Morning Sunrise – Sigmund Romberg
4. Gazelle – Jimmy Halperin
5. My Care – Thomas Winther Andersen
6. An Od Eel – Jimmy Halperin
7. East Thirty-Second – Lennie Tristano

Recorded: John’s Home Underground Studio, October 1996
Sound Engineer: Peter Bjørnild
Remastering April 2025: Markus Nordlund
Cover Design: Floris Tilanus