Judith Nijland

Bio

Four Zero

Where should a biography start? With singing on a bike as a child, riding through the woods of Twente. With the first band, which was – right away – a Big Band. With studying the classics, Greek and Latin, or with the musical conservatory in the Hague. Judith and music go hand in hand, and that is the way it has always been.

Experiment

The new CD by Judith Nijland has just been released. Thirteen new songs, all original compositions, some co-written with her band. It is Judith’s third CD. After her debut The Beautiful Reality of Life (2003) and follow-up album Suitcase of Songs (2006) Judith wanted to go for more than just acoustic interpretations. Four Zero is an experiment at blending loops and samples without straying too far from the original songs. So just a little different style-wise this time.

Grey Hair?

“After going non-stop for a long time, it’s good to take a breath and reflect on your surroundings. Reflect on what goes on in life. Not dwelling on the past – looking forward to the future while you’re at the centre of your life — Four Zero — Forty. Growing older is not always easy to accept. At first I fought against the big Four Zero. Those feelings are featured on the song ‘A Grey Hair’. But truthfully, life is so much sweeter than at age 20. I understand life much better – and I finally appreciate it fully. Not in a woolly way, just understanding what you want. So I will fully embrace growing, hopefully, very old.”

Band

Four Zero was made by Judith with her regular band. “It feels good to work with people you know very well and for many years. No scanning each other, just instinctively playing music while taking risks. Of course we had a lot of fun together as well. We searched for something new. People should be able to hear that”.

Marnix van Bruggen – piano
Pieter Althuis- bass
Arie den Boer- drums
Florian Zenker- guitar