Orson Claeys

Pianist Orson Claeys (25) is a refreshing new presence on the Belgian jazz scene, although it wasn't a foregone conclusion. – “I don't come from a musical family, even though it did play an important role. My parents had a large collection of cassettes, CDs and vinyl. A wide variety of music was played in the house, from hip-hop to jazz and from classical music to rock.” – Spellbound by the allure of the piano, Claeys joined art school, where his more profound exploration really began.

However, it wasn't until a later age, when he discovered the melodies of Herbie Hancock, that he was drawn to jazz and changed his musical course. Under the guidance of renowned artists, Claeys had the opportunity to immerse himself in this new sound at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels. He developed his own style, seamlessly combining jazz with the compelling melodies of the Middle East and hip-hop. Learning to weave different cultural influences and musical genres, influenced by musicians such as Aaron Parks, Ambrose Akinmusire, Shai Maestro and Dhafer Youssef. These days, Claeys is constantly searching for his own unique sound in today’s modern jazz, fusing different musical traditions into one harmonious expression.