Bio

With his distinctive sound and energetic, lyrical approach, Rotterdam-based trumpet player/composer/arranger/producer Jan van Duikeren (Schiedam 1975) now ranks among a select group of internationally acclaimed Dutch jazz artists. Recognized by Quincy Jones as one of the top Dutch players, his extensive musical interests and outstanding versatility have ensured his success as a much sought-after solo player and side-man. This popularity has secured him an impressive array of musical outings with leading artists and bands representing virtually all musical genres, including Paul Weller, Dr. John, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Chris McBride, Joe Bonamassa, Peter Maffay, Lionel Richie, James Carter, Michel Camilo, Sheila E, Dave Stewart, Diana Ross, Candy Dulfer, New Cool Collective, Trijntje Oosterhuis and Gare du Nord, to name a few.

His extensive discography, which includes numerous internationally acclaimed and award-winning albums, both as a sideman and bandleader, generally marks Jan’s unique position in the modern international music scene, making him one of the most successful and influential Dutch trumpeters of his generation. As Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant wrote: “The most sought-after trumpet player in the Netherlands. Technically excellent, has an impressive solo and is versatile while never losing his own identity”

His new compositions and arrangements appear regularly with his own groups Fingerprint, JVD4, Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw (JOC) and The Special Request Horns.

After finishing the Havo for Muziek and Dans, Jan studied with Jarmo Hoogendijk and Ad van Zon at the Codarts Conservatory in Rotterdam, where he graduated in 1999. During his studies, he was invited to play in the new big band of Bob Brookmeyer and also became one of the regular faces of the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw. In 1997 he won the first edition of the Erasmus Jazz Prize, a prize for promising jazz soloists. In that same year, he was discovered by Candy Dulfer with whom he has by now, worked on many tours and recordings. This collaboration not only gave Jan worldwide fame as a soloist, it also turned into a strongly-knit collaboration and friendship that continues to this day.

Recent highlights for Jan include tours of JOC and Joshua Redman (2020) , “Blue Note at Sea“ with Candy Dulfer (2019), Jarasum Jazz Festival in Korea with Tineke Postma (2019), North Sea Jazz Festival with Michel Camilo (2019), Maffay MTV unplugged (2017), Japan tour with the JvD4 (2015), and the Dr. John Concerts. At the North Sea Jazz Festival 2014, Jan had a meeting with one of his greatest musical heroes: Quincy Jones, (a trumpet player by origin), who, to Jan’s great surprise, already knew who he was, even naming a few particular elements of his playing that he appreciated.

As a band leader, Jan released albums with Fingerprint and JvD4. Fingerprint’s equally named debut album from 2011 was highly appraised by press and radio, and gained much airplay. The album inspired the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw to Jan/‘s music: which is heard on the live album ”Scribblin’ ” (2014), which also heralded the beginning of a more modern band sound for the JOC.

A more traditional quartet JvD4, is formed together with Karel Boehlee (p), Aram Kersbergen (b) and John Engels (dr). In 2015 the album ”Dear John” was recorded, as a tribute to the drummer of the band, John Engels, followed by a Japanese tour with the highlight being a concert at the renowned Tokyo Jazz Festival.
In 2020 the JVD-4 recorded a ballad album named Short Stories, together with the Metropole Orchestra Strings, Tineke Postma and Marcel Veenendaal which was awarded with 2(!) prestigious Edison Jazz Prizes in 2022.

Projects
April 2023 marked a new highlight with the release of a brand new Fingerprint album named Pleasure As Usual, with Tom Beek on tenor sax, Salle de Jonge on drums, Timothy Banchet keys, Hugo den Oudsten bass, Jesse van Ruller Guitar, Shirma Rouse vocals, and many more internationally acclaimed dutch musicians.

In June 2024 Jan has been invited to join German superstar Peter Maffay on his farewell stadium tour.

Current bands
In addition to his own projects, Jan is currently performing with:
-Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw
-New Cool Collective Big Band
-New Rotterdam Jazz orchestra
-Di-rect (with the Special Request Horns)
-Candy Dulfer.

Teaching
Trumpet & improvisation at Codarts Rotterdam, alongside Jarmo Hoogendijk and Wim Both.

Endorsements
Jan van Duikeren has been a Yamaha artist since 2023, and currently playing on a 8310 Z trumpet and flugelhorn.