Survival is a Dutch Progressive / Symphonic rock band/project, initiated in 1981 by keyboard player & composer Jack Langevelt. Inspired by classic bands like Trace, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Ekseption, The Nice, Camel, Procol Harum and Deep Purple. The sound of Survival is characterized by strong dynamic melodies with odd time signatures and epic themes. Survival existed as a band between 1981 and 1997, although Jack continued making music under the name Survival.
In 2008 Survival arose from its ashes and released their first official album Crusader on Musea Records. This all instrumental Album, with guest appearances by David Dexter and Mario Roelofsen on guitar, was composed, recorded and produced by Jack Langevelt and received very positive reviews. Presently (2013) Survival is back again in a new line up, with (Inez van der Linden) as new Manager(known for Rick van der Linden/Ekseption/Trace)and a new Bookings Agency.
Jack Langevelt was born on the fifth of August 1954 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In his early childhood he had warm feelings for Classical music ( a.o. Bach, Mozart, Chopin). After hearing Air (by Ekseption) he fell in love with the music of Rick van der Linden. Ekseption, Trace, The Nice and Emerson, Lake & Palmer were his major influences. This Symphonic Music highlighted his favourite instruments: Hammond organ and piano. After he had some piano lessons, he studied at the Rotterdam School of Arts (1971). At the same time he started his musical career as a drummer in various groups and styles. In 1980 he switched to his first love: keyboard playing in Symphonic Rock Music. He formed his own group Survival. With this group (1981–1997) he developed his ideas in his own compositions which were a synthesis of classical, rock and jazz music. In 1997 Survival split up, but Jack continued making music under his name and the name Survival. For two years Jack developed a more intuitive style of music, played and composed only by himself. The result was the album The Final Chapter(1999). For the next two years he was occupied creating his own Recording Studio (BJT Studio's). With this studio he saw no limitations anymore for creating, composing and producing his music on a level that was more to his satisfaction. With the help of vocalist Linda Maarseveen and guitar players David Dexter (from the UK), Mario Roelofsen (Purple Rainbow) and Jan Peter Eerenberg (Thijs van Leer Band) he recorded more than 30 songs. As a result, he made 2 Progressive/Symphonic/Classic rock demo albums: Con Brio and Montgisard (self-released).