New album coming:
March 5 2027

Bart playing the saxophone

Bart Wirtz is a saxophonist, producer, and composer best known for his dynamic and innovative approach to jazz, seamlessly blending traditional elements with modern influences. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has released several critically acclaimed solo albums such as iDreamer, Interview, and Beneath the Surface, showcasing his exceptional virtuosity and deep creativity. His cutting-edge work has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Edison Award, one of the highest musical honors in the Netherlands.Beyond his work as a performing artist, Wirtz is a co-founder and co-owner of The Eminent Studios. Located in a vibrant cultural cit of Leiden, where he records, co-writes, and produces a wide variety of celebrated bands and collaborative projects.

Bart holding a saxophone in front of a piano

In addition to his solo projects, Wirtz has collaborated with various notable artists and ensembles. He is one of the founding members of the Artvark Saxophone Quartet, an ensemble he has been performing with for twenty years. Furthermore, he teamed up with keyboardist Emiel van Rijthoven to form a new band: WAAN, an outspoken electronic jazz project that seamlessly blurs the lines between acoustic performance and electronic production.The project evolved at a thrillingly rapid pace. Following the success of their debut album Echo Echo, which garnered widespread international acclaim and two Dutch Edison Jazz nominations, the duo solidified their reputation with the release of their second album, We Want WAAN, earning them a prestigious third Edison nomination. Backed by a powerful live reputation, the band has taken off internationally, touring across Europe and bringing their electrifying, groove-driven live shows to premier venues and festivals

Bart with a saxophone

Listen

Dates

No upcoming events.

WAAN – Omi

(live at Eminent Studios)

WAAN – KinK

(live at Eminent Studios)

WAAN – Lost

(live at Eminent Studios)