Maastricht Jazz Awards 2026

Girts Celmins Urban Jazz Collective
'An intense dialogue between Balkan ethno jazz and Western jazz. Organic roots meet a modern, contemplative sound filled with energy, passion and depth.'

Members
Rhythm Section:
Girts Celmins - guitar, composer, arranger
Timo Bakker - piano, organ
Dominic Choung - double bass
Jakob Lingen - drums

Horn Section:
Simon Lutgens - trumpet
Leo Mao/Sam Teeuwen - alto sax
Mathias Palludan/Paul Kaspar Saumets - tenor Sax
Selim Aydin - trombone

About Girts Celmins Urban Jazz Collective
“Urban Jazz Collective” is formed by band leader, guitarist, composer and arranger Girts Celmins. The band is located in Maastricht, the Netherlands, but it unites members from all over the world - Latvia, Estonia, Spain, Korea, Turkey and the Netherlands. At its core is a hard-swinging rhythm section featuring guitar, double bass, piano/organ, and drums, complemented by an explosive horn section of trumpet, alto sax, tenor sax, and trombone. The ensemble primarily showcases original compositions by Girts Celmins, drawing from diverse styles such as hard bop, swing, and soul. Beside that collective also performing music by greatest jazz musicians of all time - like John Coltrane, Benny Golson, Oliver Nelson, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and others. With a commitment to pushing musical boundaries and engaging audiences, the Urban Jazz Collective is poised to make a significant impact on the contemporary jazz scene.

Maastricht Jazz Collective
'An intense dialogue between Balkan ethno jazz and Western jazz. Organic roots meet a modern, contemplative sound filled with energy, passion and depth.'

Members
Selim Aydin - trombone
Paul Saumets - sax
David Luca - piano
Domicic Jung - doublebass
Mario Calzada Pena - drums

About Maastricht Jazz Collective
David Luca (RO) –the band’s leader, is a Romanian jazz pianist and composer recognized for his authentic style characterized by an overflowing energy, which transcends the traditional boundaries of the genre. 
Selim Aydin (TR) - tombon. Mastering the art of improvisation with astonishing technical agility, he manages to combine inspired phrasing with profound sensitivity. Every note is authentic and passionate, demonstrating a masterful knowledge of tradition, but projected into an innovative and unmistakable musical language. 
Paul Saumets (EE) – an Estonian saxophonist who brings his own unique voice to the group. His performance is a vibrant, soulful experience that places him among the most notable artists of his generation. 
Dominic Joung (KR) - is an exceptional South Korean double bassist, bringing depth and a solid rhythmic foundation to the formula. A skilled improviser, he responds spontaneously to groove changes and creatively incorporates diverse textures and rhythmic motifs. 
Mario Calzada Pena (ES) Lecturer of Jazz History and Critical Listening at Conservatorium Maastricht, highly acclaimed Spanish drummer and composer. Mario demonstrates an impressive ability to master the dynamics and expressiveness of his instrument in a wide range of musical styles and contexts, from subtle rhythmic nuancesto moments of intensity and sonic explosion.

Woodpecker's Quintet
'Life itself is the main source of inspiration, nature, emotions and the world around us. A vibrant fusion of sound and feeling, composed straight from the heart.'

Members
Madara Dzene - vocals
Dan Smit - piano
Elio Caravaca - guitar
Alex Chavez Erazo - bass
Micky Laheij - drums

About Woodpecker's Quintet
Woodpecker’s Collective is a newly formed quintet led by vocalist and composer Madara Dzene. Their music is woven from the textures of Latvia’s nature, folk tales, and mythology, merging these ancient roots with the fresh, imaginative voices of each band member. Together, they create soundscapes where elements of nature intertwine with raw emotion, inviting listeners to dive deeper. Why “Woodpecker’s Collective”? The name comes from Madara’s last name, Dzene, which translates to “woodpecker” in Latvian. In folklore, the woodpecker is a symbol of creativity, courage, and motivation. It is seen as a messenger of opportunity and divine timing, a reminder of Time, Place, Meaning.

Marcollective
'My inspiration comes from a deep desire to connect with my roots. Through music, I want to express who I am, honor the culture of my country, and share its traditions with the world. With my band, I want to create a new sound that blends jazz, Romanian tradition, and hip-hop.'

Members
Marco Baciu - Guitar/Vocals
Dan Smit - Piano/Keyboard
Valerio Ruperto - Electric Bass
Giuseppe Gallitelli - Drums
Gabe Kruse (Guest) - Vocals
Sebastian Puica (Guest) - Violin

About Marcollective
Marcollective is the creative project of Marco Baciu, who blends the spirit of Jazz and Hip-hop with the rich musical roots of Transylvania. Joined by three talented musicians, Giuseppe Gallitelli (drums), Valerio Ruperto(bass), and Dan Smit (piano), the group weaves their personal stories into a tapestry of deeply traditional yet emotionally expressive music.
Marco Baciu is a guitar player, who wants to give the people, the warmth they look for in music. Currently doing his studies in jazz guitar, at the Conservatorium Maastricht. Jazz is the main genre that his music is based on. He combines the traditional romanian music from Transylvania with the complexity and harmony of jazz music. His main goal is to inspire and introduce the audience to the roots of Romanian culture trhough jazz music. And also inspire the people from his country to jazz music, which is a genre not so popular in Romania.