Juicebox

Juicebox is an Amsterdam soul band formed in 2003. The group is built around a sound influenced by soul, boogaloo and R&B, and it draws on the late-1960s “popcorn” style while also using a contemporary approach. Its debut album, Popcorn 69, features 14 cover versions of classic tracks from that period.

Style and influences

The band works in a soul tradition rooted in the sounds of the Stax and Kent labels. It presents itself as a band that respects those roots while adding its own ideas, and its live reputation is tied to dancefloor-focused performances.

Members

Juicebox has eight members. The line-up is Rob Berends on saxophones and flute; Tobias Breekveldt on vocals and percussion; Rob de Lange on guitar; Julien Kummer on organ and Wurlitzer piano; Ruud Kleiss on trumpet; Mechteld Bannier on baritone saxophone; Mirko Sikolovic on bass; and Emanuel Wiemans on drums. Berends is the founder of the group.

Background and performances

The musicians have long been part of the local soul and blues scene and have played with Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, Alton Ellis, Rico Rodriguez, Rude Rich and the High Notes, Hans Dulfer, Wally Tax and the Brass Babes. The band has also performed at Dutch venues including Paradiso, De Melkweg, Vrije Vloer, De Kring, Club Vegas, The Sugar Factory and Fietsfabriek.