Gosia Julia Maj BAND
Who We Are
Gosia Julia Maj BAND
MAJ/BLANCHARD/AGAPOV/HILBRANDIE
Superheroes, doctors or astronauts. What do children dream of becoming? Some of them, after hearing music for the first time, feel deeply in their hearts they will become musicians – and that is the case for all members of Gosia Julia Maj Band. A unique mix of Slavic melancholy, Caribbean soulfulness and Dutch virtuosi brings depth into the music performed by the group.
Musicians met while studying at Prince Claus Conservatory in Groningen, Gosia Julia Maj (Poland), Petr Agapov (Russia), Patrice Blanchard (France/Caribbean), Thomas Hilbrandie (Netherlands). What brought them together? Love for music and musicianship, an opportunity to create something new together. The group plays Gosia Julia Maj’s compositions, which are a fusion of swing feel, samba rhythms, soul, sophisticated harmony and memorable melodies.
Patrice Blanchard
bass guitar
Music has the power to transport us to another time and place. Patrice Blanchard loves to harness that power in small settings or with broad audiences of fellow music lovers and passionate musicians alike. Ever since a young age, Patrice has found great joy and satisfaction in listening to music and eventually making music and sharing it with fans and people all over the world. Take a look around the site to get to know Patrice and all that he has to offer.
Thomas Hilbrandie
guitar
Thomas Hilbrandie, born in The Netherlands in 1978, started at a young age with the guitar and piano. Music was a given, growing up in an artistic family. During high-school he worked as a guitarist professionally and became more and more interested in Jazz music.
In 2002 he graduated from the Royal Conservatory in The Hague as a master of music after finishing his bachelor at the Prince Claus Conservatoire in Groningen. Besides this he has studied at the Leeds College of Music in Engeland and The Collective in New York.
Currently Thomas Hilbrandie works as a freelance guitarist, composer and educator and is a member of the Stageband Jazz Orchestra.
Petr Agapov
drums
Petr Agapov, drummer based in Groningen. In 2018 he graduated from the Prince Claus Conservatory. Active participant in various ensembles and projects. Concentration on sound and emotional fullness is the basis of his playing.
