HICARU (2026)

A new musical system where Caribbean rhythm, African influence, and jazz innovation converge.

Hicaru is Kyle Winklaar’s most ambitious and research-driven project to date. Moving beyond intuition, it introduces a structured compositional approach aimed at developing a new musical language.

In a quartet/quintet setting, the project merges:

• ⁠  ⁠Aruban rhythmic traditions
• ⁠  ⁠African highlife contrapuntal structures
• ⁠  ⁠European jazz harmony and extended chord systems

The ensemble is built around a strong collective of musicians, each contributing to the development of this new musical framework.

Musicians

Kyle Winklaar — project leader & piano

Michael Bremo — drums

Serghio Jansen — electric/acoustic guitar

Jose Croeze — electric bass

Through this collaboration, Hicaru explores new time signatures, polyrhythmic layering, and harmonic innovation—creating music that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant.

Purpose

The project was initiated to develop a new musical system rooted in Caribbean identity, while engaging with global influences to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz and interdisciplinary performance.

Supported by

Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied

Fonds Podiumkunsten