Hans van Oosterhout is born in the Netherlands in 1965. He starts playing drums at the age of seven. After graduating from high school he immediately is admitted to the Jazz Department of the Rotterdam Conservatory. Even before finishing his studies, he is offered a po-sition as a drum teacher at the Rotterdam Conser-vatory, a position today he still holds.



Over the years Hans van Oosterhout has established himself as one of the much sought-after drummers in de Benelux. Over the years he has been performing with Toots Thielemans, Philip Catherine, Ralph Moore, Mark Murphy, Spike Robinson, Nat Adderley, Bob Malach, Victor Lazlo, Lee Konitz, Rick Margitza, Denise Jannah, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kenny Wheeler, Marlena Shaw, Benny Golson, Johnny Griffin and many others.



After being a member of the Jack van Poll Trio for several years, he now performs regularly with Philip Catherine-4, Rob van Bavel-3, Ronald Douglas-4, Ivan Paduart-4, Nathalie Loriers-3, Hein van de Geyn's Baseline, Enrico Pieranunzi-3 and Dee Dee Bridgewater.



With these groups Hans van Oosterhout travels all over Europe and performs in the USA, Canada, South Africa and China. Next to his stage activities, Hans has been recording quite a lot over the last years. His music is heard on more than 60 CD's.



Both critics and fellow musicians appreciate Hans for his great flexibility and ability to adapt himself to al-most any musical situation. Always offering musicality and sensitivity as well as enthusiasm and an open mind to music.



In 1998 The Belgian Jazz Magazine voted Hans van Oosterhout 'European Jazz Drummer'.