Usoku
Usoku is not just a band, it is a meeting point of six distinct voices, six musical journeys, and a shared vision to break down the walls between genres. Founded in 2023 in Amsterdam, the group was born from friendships and collaborations formed at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Trombonist Willy Becuwe, originally from France, had the idea to gather musicians whose creativity, openness, and personal styles could merge into something greater than the sum of its parts.
What makes Usoku unique is not only their sound but also their diversity. The lineup brings together musicians from different countries and cultures: Oleg Tkachenko (tenor saxophone), Justin Maas (electric and double bass), Dane Paris (drums), GiovanniGentile (guitar), and Kitano Hernandez (keys). Each member carries their own musical heritage, shaping the band’s identity with influences that stretch far beyond jazz. While jazz is the foundation, Usoku’s music is far from traditional. The band draws inspiration from the pulse of New York’s jazz scene, where improvisation is fearless and raw, and from the possibilities offered by effects and electronics. Synths, processed horns, and experimental textures are seamlessly blended with grooves inspired by hip-hop, Afro rhythms, and bursts of rock energy. The result is a sound that can be intense and driving, or spacious and hypnotic, but always with a deep sense of groove.
Most of Usoku’s repertoire is composed by Willy, whose writing explores both melody-driven narratives and intricate rhythmic frameworks. Yet the creative process is collaborative: pieces by Dane or Justin often enter the repertoire, and every member is encouraged to bring new material. One of the most remarkable things about Usoku is how naturally any composition, regardless of its origin, fits the band’s identity. This unity comes from a shared musical language and a collective instinct for shaping music together.
The concept for their debut album emerged from conversations about the limitations we impose on ourselves. Mental, emotional, and creative. These self-imposed rules can be both protective and restrictive, shaping our lives as much as they confine them. The music reflects this duality: moments of tight, structured interplay give way to free improvisations; lyrical passages dissolve into gritty grooves; restraint builds into cathartic release. It is a journey through the borders of personal freedom and the “prison” of our own making.
Since their formation, Usoku has become a vibrant presence in Amsterdam’s music scene. They have performed in a variety of contexts, from intimate club nights to festival stages. Highlights include their performance at the Red Light Jazz Festival and a concert at the legendary Bimhuis, a venue synonymous with cutting-edge jazz. These experiences have helped the band refine their live energy, a mix of precision, risk-taking, and a connection with the audience that feels immediate and unfiltered.
Live, Usoku is an immersive experience. The interplay between members is not only musical but deeply communicative; they respond to each other’s ideas, pushing the music forward without fear of where it might lead. The audience is invited into this process, not just as listeners but as participants in the unfolding moment.
As they continue working on their debut album, Usoku remains committed to evolving their sound, expanding their influences, and challenging both themselves and their listeners. They are part of a new wave of jazz artists who see no need to choose between tradition and innovation, between groove and experimentation, between structure and freedom. In a world where boundaries are constantly shifting, Usoku is a reminder that music, like life, is at its most powerful when it moves freely and without fear.