Berlinde Deman is a Belgian, Ghent-based tuba player who has, in recent years, developed a fascination for the rare, 16th-century, low-pitched wind instrument, the serpent. She describes her music as “dark, cinematic melodies with a playful twist. Delving into the depths of music, savoring each note”. She plays in the Belgian big band Flat Earth Society, and has released duo albums with Dutch sound Rutger Zuydervelt (aka Machinefabriek), recorded with Dave Douglas (Secular Psalms, Greenleaf Music, 2022), and in a trio with Dutch reed player Ab Baars and trombonist Joost Buis (Cecil’s Dance, Wig, 2023).
Plank 9 is Deman’s debut solo album for the serpent, with effects pedals and voice. She says that her daughter set the direction for the album. “At the start of summer, she set a goal: perfect her handstand, moving
