BANDS

Saskia Laroo is a versatile musician known for her original music, collaborating with bands and projects that encompass a wide range of musical styles and feature ensembles ranging from 2 to 8+ talented musicians. Here's a glimpse into her musical world: 

THE SASKIA LAROO BAND: This ensemble brings the funk to life, delivering groovy and soulful performances that get audiences moving to the rhythm. 

DUO LAROO/BYRD: Saskia Laroo joins forces with Warren Byrd in this eclectic duo. Their music is a fusion of diverse influences, creating a unique and captivating sound. 

JAZZKIA: If you're a jazz enthusiast, you'll appreciate Saskia's jazz quartet, Jazzkia. They deliver captivating jazz performances that showcase their exceptional talent and love for the genre. 

For bookings and inquiries, you can reach out to Saskia Laroo at saskialaroo@hotmail.com, and for Warren Byrd's bookings, contact him at byrdspeak@hotmail.com. 

Experience the diverse musical world of Saskia Laroo and her collaborators, where genres blend, and creativity knows no bounds.

Press quotes

  • "Laroo plays the stars out of the heavens, while her grooving band trundles on, fiercely propulsive. It is funk, jazz-dance and hip-hop in one." By Stan Rijven for Dutch national newspaper Trouw Oct 17, 2014 
  • “This was one cracking concert from the first note, Saskia Laroo and her band hit the stage runnin, offering a dizzying repertoire of jazz, rap, hip-hop, salsa, drumn ‘bass and soul.” By Audrey Perera, The Straits Times, Singapore March 11, 2008. 
  • "Saskia mixes styles of music and culture as if they had always meant to be together. By J. Lyon Layden, in Creative Loafing, GA, USA February 2001. 
  • “Her harmon mute playing on Blackbird managed to suggest [Miles] Davis without attempting to imitate him.” By Don Heckman, in LA Times, USA. December, 2000.

some background

In 1979, Saskia Laroo embarked on her journey as a professional musician, captivating audiences with her live performances. During this pivotal period, she had the honor of frequently collaborating with renowned Dutch tenor saxophonist Hans Dulfer, who was immediately struck by her exceptional talent. By 1981, Saskia had solidified her presence in Hans Dulfer's bands and also joined Rosa King’s Upside Down Band, where a young saxophone prodigy named Candy Dulfer was part of the lineup.

Throughout the early stages of her career, Saskia immersed herself in diverse world music genres, including Hispanic, Caribbean, Brazilian, and African influences, shaping her musical identity. In 1982, she established her own ensemble, the Salsa Caliente Band. From 1986 to 1990, she led the Caribbean Express, followed by performances with The Caribbean Colours from 1990 to 1994.

Around 1994, Saskia discovered her unique musical voice. She ventured into a solo career in 1993, which blossomed into the Saskia Laroo Band the following year, featuring compositions from her debut album, "It’s Like Jazz." In 1995, Laroo introduced two new groups: Salsabop, a Latin jazz quintet, and Jazzkia, her straight-ahead jazz unit, also known as the Saskia Laroo Jazz Quartet.

In recent years, Saskia has continued to captivate audiences worldwide, performing with various groups and collaborating with American pianist Warren Byrd in a dynamic duo, showcasing her musical prowess and connecting with local musicians across the globe. Saskia Laroo also shines as a special guest artist, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

(Adapted from information by Ausra Listaviciute, adapted by Warren Byrd)