Sdban Records is proud to present the first official reissue of Coal Mining, the 1978 debut album by Dutch jazz pianist René van Helsdingen. This album marks a significant milestone, the beginning of van Helsdingen’s decades-spanning career as an innovative and independent musician.
Coal Mining was originally released on Munich Records, a respected Dutch jazz and roots label founded by music producer and musician Job Zomer. The album features a blend of jazz influences from giants such as Oscar Peterson, McCoy Tyner, and Bill Evans, and showcases van Helsdingen’s distinctive voice as a composer and pianist at the very start of his professional journey.
Often mistakenly referred to as Piano, a result of the album’s back cover design prominently featuring the word, Coal Mining is both a literal and symbolic title. It alludes not only to van Helsdingen’s brief academic past, but to the depth and labor of jazz creation itself: layered, gritty, and forged under pressure.
Now, nearly five decades after its initial release, Coal Mining is finally receiving a well-deserved reissue. Introducing a new generation of listeners to the raw talent and visionary beginnings of a true European jazz original.
The reissue of Coal Mining is available via Sdban Records. Order now!