With a unique sound and signature Floriaan Wempe (1989) is known as an adventurous, swinging and elegant saxophonist and improviser. In his quest for touching melodies and the magic of the moment he captivates listeners with a story that flows from the tradition but that is unmistakably his own.
That he was taken under the wing by the late, great Roy Hargrove speaks to his potential and musical affections. He grew up hearing bebop and hardbop and soaked up the entire jazz history during his studies at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and trips to New York City. He deeply immersed himself into the music and lyrics of the great American songwriters and vocalists but also found inspiration in the versatility of artists like Joe Henderson, David ‘Fathead’ Newman, Cedar Walton, Ahmad Jamal, Freddie Hubbard, Tom Harrell, Michael Brecker and Kenny Garrett.
His collaborations with mentors Philip Harper and Willie Jones III and nestors of the Dutch jazz scene like Karel Boehlee, Peter Beets and Juraj Stanik illustrate he is always trying to push himself and eager to learn from his elders. He saw Hargrove perform throughout Europe, studied his vast repertoire, jammed with him countless times and his committed efforts culminated in concerts with the renowned quintet at the New Morning in Paris and Jazz in Marciac. It provided the ultimate learning ground to grasp the essence of this music: the energy, groove, lyricism, improvisation and authenticity. The sheer joy of music and its incredible force to move people and get people moving, are an infinite source of inspiration and at the very core of what he intends to convey as a player, composer and teacher.
After years of being a sideman, in 2026 he steps forth with his second album as a leader. ‘The Light Of Day’ marks a new chapter where many ideas and developments behind the scenes finally see the light of day: leading a new band, writing lyrics, his debut on alto and his development as a composer. At the same time it serves notice of things to come and directions to explore.
