European roots meet American country

Bart de Win studied jazzpiano and -vocals at the Rotterdam conservatory. He now works as a main subject teacher at the conservatories of Utrecht and Rotterdam. His musical style ranges from jazz to Americana and everything in between. He played in several jazz-, pop- and fusiongroups with the likes of Izaline Calister, Stevie Ann, Eric Coenen, Rolf Delfos, Ron van Stratum, Gé Titulaer, Mark Murphy, Eric Timmermans, Frits Landesbergen, Roland Smeenk and Rob Janszen.

In 1996 Bart started playing with Gerard van Maasakkers as a member of his group The Vaste Mannen. This line-up of fine musicians is famous for delicate arranging and playing. The perfect backup for a singer. The band has proven to be a flexible bunch of musical minds, playing all styles with a personal touch. Over the years they made records with several singers, like Maria Markesini, Ernst van der Pasch and Elizabeth Simonian.

This band became the starting point of Bart de Win & The Simple Life. Bart got inspired by americana music, and his interests developed in a more rootsy direction. His jazz background blended in easily with his newly developed style. His music has been described as a crossover between americana, blues, gospel, jazz & vaudeville. He has a very own, unique, rootsy sound that stands out. From his well praised timing to his warm bariton to his sensitive playing of the piano, rhodes and accordeon; everything breaths a pleasant and free originality.

In October 2009 'The simple life' was launched, an album with 15 original songs. It was produced by the famous British musician Gilad Atzmon. January 2011 saw the birth of 'Little world', released by Munich Records. 'Little world' was produced by Walt Wilkins. A  lot of Texan musicians like The Mystiqueros, Scrappy Jud Newcomb and Kim Deschamps attributed their great skills.

Bart is touring the Netherlands with his seven piece live band The Simple Life, named after his 2009 record. In 2010 Bart also started playing in Iain Matthews band 'Matthews Southern Comfort'. From spring 2011 they've been touring Europe. On top of teaching and performing Bart also works as a booker for a couple of venues in Noord-Brabant.