Ugly white Belly
Whats with Ugly White Belly?
Ugly White Belly was formed in 1992 by saxophonist Rolf Delfos and pianist Erwin Hoorweg. They were looking to expand their musical horizon by mixing jazz and pop. And boy did they succeed in an electronic Jazz sound that Rocks, and Rocks.
Not soon after they added bass player Boudewijn Lucas and guitarist Tjeerd van Zanen making it the right mix of musicians for this journey. After auditioning multiple drummers, Sjoerd van Bommel joined forces. And UWB took off.
DISCOGRAPHY
Studio Albums
1995 • Binc
Released by STM Records, Binc became the second and final release by Ugly White Belly. By this time drummer Chris Strik had joined the band, bringing a stronger fusion-driven approach to the group’s electronic jazz sound. The album continued the successful blend of jazz improvisation, contemporary grooves and accessible melodies that had become UWB’s trademark.
The release was supported by extensive live performances throughout the Netherlands and represents the culmination of the band’s musical development before they disbanded in 1997.
Standout track:
- Binc
1993 • South Of No North
Formed by saxophonist Rolf Delfos and keyboard player Erwin Hoorweg, Ugly White Belly set out to combine jazz musicianship with the energy of contemporary pop and electronic music. Their debut album South Of No North secured the band’s place within the Dutch nouveau jazz movement and resulted in concerts, radio performances and growing recognition throughout the Netherlands.
With guitarist Tjeerd van Zanen, bassist Boudewijn Lucas and drummer Sjoerd van Bommel completing the line-up, the album remains a highly regarded example of early-1990s Dutch jazz fusion and crossover music.
Standout track:
- Dances With The Rolf’s
Classic Line-Up
Ugly White Belly
The core line-up remained remarkably stable during the band’s existence:
- Rolf Delfos – Alto & Soprano Saxophone
- Erwin Hoorweg – Piano & Keyboards
- Boudewijn Lucas – Bass
- Tjeerd van Zanen – Guitar
- Sjoerd van Bommel – Drums (until 1995)
- Chris Strik – Drums (1995–1997)
Together they created a distinctive blend of electronic jazz, fusion and pop that continues to sound fresh decades after the original recordings. Both studio albums remain available on modern streaming platforms and preserve an important chapter in Rotterdam’s contemporary jazz history.
Live Legacy & Impact
During their active window, Ugly White Belly toured heavily throughout Europe, establishing a major presence in the Dutch club and festival circuits. They were a frequent live act on Dutch national radio (co-producing events with the VPRO Radio broadcasting network).
They regularly headlined major jazz hubs, including standout performances at the prestigious BIMHUIS Amsterdam. Their live sets were famously characterized by an unpredictable flow, transitioning seamlessly from thunderous pop-rock tempos to intimate, soulful bass balladeering.
