VI.BE

Born in 1995 in Genk, Belgium, Gert-Jan Dreessen has quickly become one of the most exciting jazz drummers of his generation.

After studying in Leuven, Cologne and Antwerp, he moved to New York to continue his education at The New School for Jazz, supported by awards from BAEF, MERIT and the Flemish Government. There, he studied with renowned artists including Kendrick Scott, Reggie Workman and Buster Williams.

Gert-Jan is known for his sharp musical intuition, rich sound palette and strong rhythmic identity. He has performed internationally with musicians like Bert Joris, Logan Richardson, John O’Gallagher, Shai Maestro and Nduduzo Makhathini, and is a regular member of ensembles such as Flat Earth Society, Tomer Cohen Quartet and many more.

With his own Gert-Jan Dreessen Quartet – featuring Bram De Looze (piano), Jean-Paul Estiévenart (trumpet) and Cyrille Obermüller (bass) – he explores original compositions that balance structure and freedom. His project “Dimensions” bridges jazz quintet and string quartet, merging traditions in a fresh and personal way.

In 2024, Dreessen was selected by VRT/Klara as one of "De Twintigers", a recognition for emerging artists with a distinct voice. As part of the program, his quartet recorded a unique live session in the legendary Toots studio.

His work has been praised across scenes. Flagey concert hall and Jazzlab series described him as “a young drummer that has established himself as an artist to be reckoned with”. The New York City Jazz Record selected his concert at Lincoln Center with Flat Earth Society as one of the best New York performances of 2024 – a rare recognition for a European ensemble.

Between 2021 and 2024, Gert-Jan taught at LUCA School of Arts in Leuven and has been active as a jazz curator, including for De Fwajee in Sint-Truiden. He is involved in educational and artistic initiatives that support the next generation of jazz musicians.

In recent years, he has toured throughout the US, Canada, Europe, South- Africa and Mexico. While his reach continues to expand internationally, he remains firmly rooted in the Belgian scene.