Roel van Wijk
Roel van Wijk studied light music trumpet with Rob Bruynen at the Conservatory of Maastricht. He attended masterclasses with, among others, Bob Findley, Bobby Shew and Erik Vloeimans. He has collaborated on various projects with Lee Konitz, Bill Dobbins, Bob Mintzer, Jiggs Whigham and Chuck Findley. As a trumpeter, he is currently active with Elite Horns, a professional horn section, The Skyline Orchestra, Mo'Jones Bigband and Aachen Bigband, Presidents of Antarctica, as well as in various freelance activities. Roel has contributed to numerous CD and television recordings. In addition, he works as an arranger, composer, répétiteur and regularly gives workshops.
Roel van Wijk's Adams Gear
Adams A4
Not even looking for a new trumpet, but having become curious because of stories about the “Amik Guerra” model from Adams Musical Instruments, I walked in one day to ask if I could try this model, equipped with a large bell and equally large bore. After playing just three notes on it, I immediately told Miel that I was quite impressed and definitely interested.
I still clearly remember those first three notes: it was quite a revelation. This positive first impression was later confirmed in practice: this trumpet can truly do it all, from playing a New Orleans street parade outdoors to enhancing intimate, close-to-the-microphone lounge beats, to screaming big band lead — everything comes out effortlessly, with the sound I have had in my head for a long time.
The combination of seemingly contradictory qualities continues to positively surprise me every day: a tone that is easy to shape, ranging from dark and jazzy to bold with great projection, while at the same time offering incredible ease of playing. My colleagues are consistently amazed by the extremely light playing characteristics of this relatively heavy trumpet.
Finally, the finish as well as the mechanical quality are at the highest conceivable level: I have never played a trumpet with such smooth and reliable valves. Ever since I started playing the Adams A4, I have not once been tempted to return to my old trusted trumpets. Miel, thank you!
