In the early fifties became Dutchman Piet Noordijk, influenced by his idol Charlie Parker, addicted to the alto saxophone. He soon became known as a virtuoso musician and worked as lead saxophonist in numerous radio and T.V. orchestras such as The Skymasters and The Ramblers. He played in various jazz ensembles including Rob Madna Cees Slinger, Pim Jacobs and French Elzen. Along with Han Bennink,
… Misha Mengelberg and Rob Langereis he formed a famous quartet in 1964 as the only European group in the US Newport Jazz Festival played between jazz giants like Coltrane, Ellington, Basie and Getz. In the same period he was lead alto and important soloist with the legendary Boy Edgar Big Band. In the period 1978-1992 he was a member of the Metropole Orchestra as lead saxophone player and soloist. Noordijk, known for his fiery and bebop-soaked game, did a lot of gigs with famous international jazz musicians and vocalists.The Dutch jazz historian and producer Michiel de Ruyter once called him the best alto saxophonist from the Netherlands and one of the best in Europe. In 1965 Noordijk got Wessel Ilcken Jazz Prize in 1987 and the Bird Award.more