About Us
How we became Latinella
Pianist/composer/arranger Jeroen van Helsdingen had the idea of translating big pop hits into Latin rhythms, and so Latinella was born. The pieces are chosen with care, are recognisable, yet surprising the same time.
Combining the Latin grooves with synthesizers creates a whole new sound, with the black soul sound of white singer K-Bee as ‘cherry on the cake’.
In September and October 2023 they kicked off on various smaller stages and theaters, for a very enthusiastic audience. Due to its recognition and originality, the concept appeals to both old and young people, who enthusiastically sing along to the repertoire.
The musicians all have extensive playing experience and have made their mark in the profession. Their enthusiasm and enjoyment of playing together makes this group extremely convincing in their live performance on stage.
Our line-up
Jeroen van Helsdingen – synths and keys
Jeroen is a gifted pianist, composer and arranger. In a weekly radio live-jazz show he worked with, among others, Oleta Adams, Frank McComb, Gregory Porter. He made several CD’s with his other project ‘Jeroen van Helsdingen Band’, that played solely original work from his hand. Jeroen was a Edison nominee with the radio 6 liveband ‘the Ob6sions’ and has won several jazz prices.
K-Bee – vocals
With her soulful voice she brings warmth to the Latinella songs. As an experienced session singer she worked with the best of the dutch music scene and made 2 CD’s; ‘ We Welcome You’ and ‘ Still at your Side’. As a vocal teacher she worked for theatre group “Opus One”, Lucia Marthas and the Utrecht Conservatory.
Taco Nieuwenhuizen – bass
As a versatile bassplayer he accompanied innumerable musicians/singers. He performed/toured with Denise Jannah, Lori Spee, Jhelisa Anderson (USA) and Dana Winner(Belgium). He composed all the songs for his project ‘Taconieuwenhuizengroup’ on the cd ‘Playtime’. His love for latin music shows in his compositions and bassplaying in the dutch latin group ‘Tocar’.
Franc auf dem Brinke – drums
With a broad interest in all kinds of musical styles and situations, Franc managed to create quite a fascinating professional life. Classical & Contemporary music, Soul, Disco, R&B, Jazz, Fusion, Samba Batucada and Latin rhythms in general hold only few secrets for him. Hence his studio and live work with the likes of Rick Margitza (USA), Toon Roos, Deborah Carter, Humphrey Campbell, Lo van Gorp, Karel Boehlee, Chris Hinze, Chris Muller, Maria Mendes, Agnes Gosling and projects like The Baarn Project, DrumPeople, Wiebke & Les Garçons, Kings of Lies, Bart Lust Quintet, Maestro Jules Orchestra.
His personal approach and dedication to great groove make him the drummer in charge and one of those musicians you want to have around.
Martin Gort – percussion
Martin is a very experienced percussionist who studied traditional rhythms in Cuba and West Africa. He is a teacher at the Brussels Conservatory and worked among others with Metropole Orchestra, Cor Bakker, and André Hazes.