Tape: 11 November 2017
Tape: 4 Januari 2019
The New Instant Composers Syndicate (NICS): Music in the Moment
In a small studio buzzing with creativity, five musicians gathered once or twice every month to create something entirely unique.
This was the New Instant Composers Syndicate, a group where nothing was planned—only the music mattered.
It started in 2010, and in this room, music was born on the spot, shaped by the moods and whispers of the players.
The group consisted of Edwin Bouman who added deep grooves with his bass guitar and midi modules,
while Rene Kos breathed life into wind instruments like the EWI and synthesizers.
Robbert Becker infused warmth and color using his Fender Rhodes piano and Hammond B3 organ.
Behind the soundboard, Fred Tabois—known as Fredheadset—crafted the invisible threads with samples, electronic sound treatments, and subtle effects.
And John Berrevoets, who commanded midi drums, vibraphones, and percussion with nimble skill.
On these nights, none of them knew what the others would play. They relied on intense listening and trust,
each musician placing the music above their own ego. The space between notes was as important as the notes themselves.
As rhythms twisted and melodies wove through synthesizer landscapes, a new sound emerged—honest, raw, and alive.
The players, each a master in their craft, began improvising melodies that blended effortlessly.
The spontaneity was thrilling—ideas formed, evolved, and shimmered through the air like living things. They recorded captured every nuance with pristine clarity,
paying attention to detail evident in the warm, rich sound that filled the space.
Suspense built as moments of quiet reflection gave way to bursts of energy, keeping everyone present completely engaged.
By the end of the session, it was obvious why NICS has earned a reputation for high-quality recordings.
Every track revealed both the raw creativity of the musicians and the technical excellence behind the scenes.
The members of NICS realized these were rare recordings of improvisations, raw and full of emotion, long forgotten by time.
To breathe new life into these sounds, Johnny, is carefully remastering the NICS recording sessions. Every year one or two are added.
The experience left me thinking about how true artistry shines brightest when passion meets precision, and NICS embodies that harmony perfectly.
By the end, the room was filled not just with music, but with a quiet sense of connection and discovery.
The New Instant Composers Syndicate showed that when minds and instruments meet without a script,
the unexpected becomes the most beautiful art.
It all came down to one thing: listening deeply, and letting the music flow freely.
Due to the passing of Fred Tabois in 2019 , NICS stopped it's journey, since he was the keyplayer into making this all happen.
In a small studio buzzing with creativity, five musicians gathered once or twice every month to create something entirely unique.
This was the New Instant Composers Syndicate, a group where nothing was planned—only the music mattered.
It started in 2010, and in this room, music was born on the spot, shaped by the moods and whispers of the players.
The group consisted of Edwin Bouman who added deep grooves with his bass guitar and midi modules,
while Rene Kos breathed life into wind instruments like the EWI and synthesizers.
Robbert Becker infused warmth and color using his Fender Rhodes piano and Hammond B3 organ.
Behind the soundboard, Fred Tabois—known as Fredheadset—crafted the invisible threads with samples, electronic sound treatments, and subtle effects.
And John Berrevoets, who commanded midi drums, vibraphones, and percussion with nimble skill.
On these nights, none of them knew what the others would play. They relied on intense listening and trust,
each musician placing the music above their own ego. The space between notes was as important as the notes themselves.
As rhythms twisted and melodies wove through synthesizer landscapes, a new sound emerged—honest, raw, and alive.
The players, each a master in their craft, began improvising melodies that blended effortlessly.
The spontaneity was thrilling—ideas formed, evolved, and shimmered through the air like living things. They recorded captured every nuance with pristine clarity,
paying attention to detail evident in the warm, rich sound that filled the space.
Suspense built as moments of quiet reflection gave way to bursts of energy, keeping everyone present completely engaged.
By the end of the session, it was obvious why NICS has earned a reputation for high-quality recordings.
Every track revealed both the raw creativity of the musicians and the technical excellence behind the scenes.
The members of NICS realized these were rare recordings of improvisations, raw and full of emotion, long forgotten by time.
To breathe new life into these sounds, Johnny, is carefully remastering the NICS recording sessions. Every year one or two are added.
The experience left me thinking about how true artistry shines brightest when passion meets precision, and NICS embodies that harmony perfectly.
By the end, the room was filled not just with music, but with a quiet sense of connection and discovery.
The New Instant Composers Syndicate showed that when minds and instruments meet without a script,
the unexpected becomes the most beautiful art.
It all came down to one thing: listening deeply, and letting the music flow freely.
Due to the passing of Fred Tabois in 2019 , NICS stopped it's journey, since he was the keyplayer into making this all happen.