First-ever reissue of René van Helsdingen’s 1978 debut album Coal Mining

Sdban Records is proud to announce 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. It’s often mistakenly referred to as Piano, a result of the album’s back cover design prominently featuring the word.

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.

Tracklist

A1. René Van Helsdingen – Coal Mining
A2. René Van Helsdingen – 3/4 Distillation
A3. René Van Helsdingen – Salt Lake Speedway
B1. René Van Helsdingen – Bauxite Mining
B2. René Van Helsdingen – Syto Plankton
B3. René Van Helsdingen – Offshore Sounds

The reissue will be available via Sdban Records on September 26 2025.