Silly me forgot that Kari teaches on Monday nights, so my plan to see multiple shows was doomed at the outset. Actually, I didn't really forget, I just had this split-personality thing going on today as I made simultaneous plans in my head for how I was going to spend the night.

The first plan invlolved watching the US-Czech Republic World Cup match that I had taped and crying into my beer while Ben plaed with his cars at my feet. The other involved running downtown to catch some jazz. At about 4:30 I came to my senses. Lucky for me, Kari came home a little early and I headed out to try to catch Sonya Kitchell. Unfortunately, the line proved too daunting for me and I headed over to the free stage just in time to hear what sounded like the end of a pretty remarkable set by the Respect Sextet.

After downing a heartburn po'boy, Seth and I, bolstered by Greg's recommendation, headed over to Max to see the Dutch group, Braamdejoodevatcher. These cats were out of control. Actually, scratch that. They were totally in control: even though they each seemed to be heading in different directions, the music held together, occassionally breaking into a full-on groove before spinning back into a complex web of interconnected harmonies and textures.

These guys also got the absolute most out of their instruments. Michael Vatcher on drums would occasionally lick his finger and rub it around his drum head in order to get a wheezing sound. He whacked every surface of his drum kit at one point or another to brilliant effect. Bassist Wilbert de Joode, would alternate between slapping, plucking, bowing, and strumming the strings. At points Michiel Braam on piano seemed to be playing with his knuckles. It all added up to a great show.

This marks the third year in a row that I've been blown away by a European act. Two years ago was Jonas Kullhammar, Last year it was the Willem Breuker Kollektief. Here's hoping that John Nugent can continue to bring these terrific groups across the pond.