Finally back where he did a two-dayer in 2012, with his illustrious 'Struggle For Pleasure' album as part of the 'Rewind' series.

Pianist-guitarist-composer-singer Wim Mertens has been appreciated by the AB for a long time now. Let's just say: already more than 60 LPs and CDs long, since his debut in 1980.

Just recently released, on his very own Usura label, is his latest: 'Charaktersketch' – the first in a trilogy about Europe, and with a more extensive ensemble (on CD at least).

De Standaard about it: '**** Zo trekt, glijdt, zweeft de muziek titel na titel verder, in een genietbaar spel tussen trouw blijven aan tradities en daaraan willen ontsnappen.'

Or Le Soir even: '*** une partition enfiévrée, tel un chant qui n' est pas celui du cygne mais d'une Europe agitée... une histoire emplie d' interrogations.'

You can see in the videos that Wim Mertens does it brilliantly, from solo up to and including symphonic orchestra. But this time: most definitely with his regular ensemble!