Laranja

About

Laranja is a four piece Dutch band that pulls off the neat trick of sounding like a full orchestra. Their music blends Brazilian and Cuban rhythms with well known songs, and the result is something that works equally well at an upscale event or a beach party. The group grew out of the trio Cafe Chantant, whose members were already known for richly layered arrangements featuring flute, recorder, accordion, keyboard and three part harmonies. Laranja adds the drums and percussion of Latin specialist Michiel Westerhuis to that foundation, which gives the band its driving rhythmic pulse. The lineup is Janneke van Heeswijk on lead vocals, recorder and percussion, Marjolein Kempen on flute, vocals and synth bass, Arjan Bruinsma on keys, synth bass, vocals and arrangements, and Michiel Westerhuis on drums and percussion.