Frontier People. New jazz-americana project of Thomas Decock & Artan Buleshkaj. Debut single 'Land Of The Unfree' out now on W.E.R.F. Records.

With ‘Land of The Unfree’, guitarists Thomas Decock and Artan Buleshkaj introduce their new project Frontier People. Following their duo album 'Plain Songs', which explored existing repertoire, they now bring a full band and original compositions to the crossroads of American folk and jazz.

The first single unfolds like a wide-open landscape in 3/4 time. Open-tuned guitar and pedal steel in the background lend the music space and depth. The guitars lie at the heart of a sound rooted in Americana and open to the freedom of jazz.

That freedom finds a bitter counterpoint in the title. ‘Land of The Unfree’ alludes to the erosion of freedom in contemporary America, casting a critical eye on the country whose musical traditions inspire the project.

"Following the critical reception of our duo debut 'Plain Songs' (Knack Magazine Top 10 Jazz Releases in Belgium), Frontier People expands our sound into a dynamic, guitar-driven quintet that bridges contemporary jazz, atmospheric rock, and roots-based Americana. Rooted in a shared love for Americana, we expanded our sound by enlisting the seasoned, highly interactive rhythm section of Yannick Peeters (double bass) and Lionel Beuvens (drums). Rising saxophonist Werend Van Den Bossche completes the quintet, infusing Appalachian fiddle phrasing onto the alto saxophone. The project keeps the intimate atmosphere of our duo debut Plain Songs, elevated by punchier rock influences and a richer, produced sonic landscape. Our self-titled album will be released on January 22, 2027 via Belgium’s venerable imprint W.E.R.F. Records." - Artan Buleshkaj & Thomas Decock

Live:

• 06 februari, Nona, mechelen
• 18 februari, Rataplan, Antwerpen
• 28 februari, Kaap, Oostende
• 04 maart, CC Het Perron, Ieper
• 05 maart, CC De Werf, Aalst
• 06 maart, CC De Warande, Turnhout
• 12 maart, CC Coloma, Sint Pieters Leeuw
• 13 maart, CC 't Getouw, Mol
• 19 maart, CC Ververij, Ronse
• 25 maart, Wilde Westen, Kortrijk
• 26 maart, CC Muze, Heusden Zolder
• 09 april, Ha! Concerts, Gent (Frontier People XL, met guests)
• 11 april, De Casino, Sint-Niklaas