Orson Claeys (1998, Ghent) is a Belgian jazz pianist and composer who has rapidly emerged as a distinctive voice within the contemporary jazz scene. With a strong musical vision and a refined compositional instinct, he merges modern jazz with influences from hip hop, Middle Eastern music, and R&B. His work moves between introspective melodies, layered rhythms, and adventurous improvisation, always driven by a keen sense of atmosphere and storytelling.
After studying at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, Claeys quickly gained recognition within the Belgian jazz landscape. Less than a year after graduating, he signed with the renowned label Sdban Ultra, further developing his artistic trajectory.
Over the past two years, he has emerged as a notable new artist within the Belgian jazz landscape. Following the release of his debut EP Odyssey to Self in 2024, he performed at leading venues and festivals including Ancienne Belgique, De Roma, Gent Jazz, Flagey, Leuven Jazz, and Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend. Along the way, he was selected for Brussels Jazz Alert and national radio station Klara’s Twintigers program, featured on the Lefto Presents Jazz Cats compilation, and received the jury prize at the first edition of Brussels Jazz Vanguard.
Claeys is currently in the final stretch towards the release of his debut album, which is steadily taking shape as a work where jazz and hip-hop naturally intertwine, informed by influences drawn from boxing, skateboarding, and wider street culture. With his open approach to composition and a growing reputation as a live performer, Orson Claeys stands among a new generation of Belgian jazz musicians who are bringing a contemporary and international dynamic to the genre.
