Drummer and vibraphonist Jan de Haas (Brussels, 1962) is one of the most sought-after musicians in Belgium.
Jan de Haas developed at an early age an interest for music, especially for percussion instruments.
In 1979, he completed his studies at the Music Academy in Hoeilaart with Armand Vandewalle and obtained the "medal of the government".
In 1979 -1981, he then continued his studies for three years at the Berklee College of Music in Boston (USA) and obtained in 1982 his "Performance Diploma" "cum laude".
On the Boston scene, he already played with established musicians, such as : Tony Dagradi, Phil Wilson, Dave Kikoski, Makoto Ozone, etc.
His real professional activity starts in 1981, when he gets hired as a drummer by the BRT radio big band, conducted by Etienne Verschueren.
In 82, the year of his return to Europe, he wins a First Prize at the Jazz Hoeilaart European Jazz Contest.
Since then, Jan de Haas has been a very active drummer, who played with many Belgian and international artists of the jazz scene, a.o. : Chet Baker, Phil Wilson, Jeff Gardner, Tars Lootens, Toots Thielemans, Philip Catherine, Steve Houben, Richard Rousselet, Jacques Pelzer, Michel Herr, Erwin Vann, Pirly Zurstrassen, Nathalie Loriers, Fabrice Alleman, etc.
He also played with numerous international soloists, such as Jack Van Poll, Eddie Daniels, Rick Margitza, Jerome Richardson, Jan Jarczyck, etc.
He also participated in many recordings, a.o. with Guy Cabay, Paolo Radoni, Diederik Wissels, Jean-Pierre Gebler, Freddie Deronde With J.R. Monterose, Jean-Jacques Debout, Martine Kivits, Machitun, Michel Herr (The soundtrack of "Just Friends" with Archie Shepp), Ali Ryerson, Pirly Zurstrassen, Charles Loos, etc.
He currently plays a.o. with the Erik VermeuleN Trio (CD), the Laurent Blondiau Quintet, Ode For Joe (2 CDs), the Belgian Percussion Ensemble led by Frank Michiels, the Swing Dealers, Parfum Latin (CD Parfum Latin), the Bart Defoort quartet (CD to be released) etc.
He teaches for several years at the Antwerp Music Conservatory (Belgium).
As a leader, Jan de Haas released his first album in October '99, For the One and Only on the IgloO label, an album on which he plays the vibraphone.
A second album as a vibraphonist came out in 2003 on De Werf label, titled "Doing My Thing".
Joey Baron
