Some think that pianist Jetse de Jong fell into a big pot of New Orleans’ Gumbo as a child. They say that after a few days he climbed out and hasn’t stopped playing the piano ever since. In reality he found his calling after hearing the music of rock ‘n roll legend Fats Domino.
Growing up in a musical home, his father being a jazz vibraphonist and his mother playing records by Randy Newman and Jim Croce, Jetse was set on becoming a musician from an early age. He played his first gigs in local bars and restaurants from 13 years old and his love for performing has kept him succesfully away from pursuing a career as a stockbroker, lawyer or counselor.
Combining a fascination for improvisation, songs and accompaniment Jetse has been a sought-after pianist for all kinds of circumstances. He has happily accompanied a burlesque act as well as performing with the WDR Funkhauser Orchester. He gracefully bangs away at the ivories while fronting his New Orleans project Bayou Bayou next to touring the theatres of the world with Sven Ratzke.
He is currently researching the New Orleans Piano tradition, his lifelong obsession, which should take the form of a book in the distant future.
Jetse has played with, among others: Sven Ratzke, Michelle David, Jim van der Zee, WDR Funkhausorchester, Groot Omroepkoor, Eric Vloeimans, Laura Fygi, Isla van Hout, Hein de Jong, Rocky Horror Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Berlin) and graduated in 2019 with a bachelor degree in Jazz Piano from the Conservatory of Amsterdam. He has performed all across Europe as well as in New Zealand and New York (Joe's Pub & Lincoln Center).