Belgian psychedelic progressive music pioneer and multi-instrumentalist Joel Vandroogenbroeck died in Arlesheim, northern Switzerland shortly before Christmas, on December 23, 2019.
Born in Brussels, Belgium, Joel Vandroogenbroeck studied classical piano, but soon left the Brussels Conservatory because he dared to play jazz.
Vandroogenbroeck moved to Switzerland, where he became part of an underground progressive music scene, experimenting with psychedelic music inspired by German electronic music and Kraut Rock bands such as Tangerine Dream and Amon Duul II. He played piano, organ, flute, bass and sitar.
Vandroogenbroeck formed his own band, Brainticket, in Basel. The group released the highly esteemed debut album Cottonwoodhill in 1971. Psychonaut followed the next year and then the classic Celestial Ocean in 1973. These early albums along with the later period Brainticket recordings comprise some of the finest trance-like electronic psychedelic music ever made.
Vandroogenbroeck partnered with Los Angeles-based indie label Cleopatra Records to reissue his catalog of albums together with unreleased and rare live recordings for Cleopatra’s Purple Pyramid imprint. He also revitalized Brainticket in 2015 with what will be their final album Past, Present & Future.
“I am honored and lucky to have known him. He was such a gifted & talented person, he will be truly missed by everyone at Cleopatra & all who loved his music,” stated Brian Perera, Cleopatra Records.