Cubop City Big band

The Cubop City Big Band was founded in 1995 by drummer and bandleader Lucas van Merwijk. Since then, it has become one of Europe’s most respected and authentic Latin jazz orchestras. The band is named after the famous New York club where musicians like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Machito, and Chano Pozo helped create the “cubop” sound. Today, the group continues this strong blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz big-band style.

The 20-piece lineup features musicians from the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Panama, Germany, the USA, and Venezuela.

The orchestra is celebrated for its high-energy performances and musical authenticity. The ensemble bridges classic mambo and salsa big-band tradition with modern innovation, creating music that is artistically compelling and dance-oriented.

Since its debut recording The Machito Project (1995), the Cubop City Big Band has released more than eight acclaimed albums, many as tributes to iconic Latin artists such as Machito, Beny Moré, Arsenio Rodríguez, and Tito Puente. Their album Moré & More (1998) was named the second-best Latin album of the year by Latin Beat Magazine, and their records have gained popularity in Latin America.

The band has appeared multiple times at the North Sea Jazz Festival, toured South America three times, and performed widely across Europe and beyond. Their 2022 appearance at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Curaçao with pianist and arranger Randal Corsen in the project “Antillean Salsa” highlighted their ongoing influence and international reach.

Whether performing in concert halls or at major festivals, the Cubop City Big Band remains a leading force in Latin jazz in Europe. They respect tradition while creating their own unique sound.