Altena was a prominent European free-jazz bassist of note. American audiences first discovered her via Marion Brown’s 1967 album Porto Novo, which featured the alto saxophonist. Altena studied music in Amsterdam’s Swelinck Conservatory from 1961-1967. Altena’s first recording was made as a member in 1967 of jazz musician Theo Loevendie’s group. Loevendie went on to a more successful career as an orchestral composer. Altena was a member of Steve Lacy’s jazz group in the 1960s and 1970s. She also played with Willem Breuker (saxophonist/composer), Guus Janssen (pianist) and Derek Bailey (guitar). Altena was involved in many Bailey’s Company projects in the 1970s. Altena began to work more often as a leader in the middle of the 1970s and recorded mostly for his Claxon label. Altena is a well-known soloist and leader of his own ensembles. Altena has had many notable collaborators in recent years. These include drummer Gerry Hemingway and Walter Wierbos (trombone), percussionist Paul Lovens and Peter Kowald (bass), to name a few. Altena, in addition to many self-produced albums has recorded for Splasc(h), Bimhuis and hatArt. Allmusic
