NOVA ft. Félix Zurstrassen, Aaron Parks & Jeff Ballard - LEUVEN JAZZ

Leuven Jazz meets Piano Days

Nova ft. Félix Zurstrassen and guests Aaron Parks (US) & Jeff Ballard (US)

Belgian bassist Félix Zurstrassen is the leader of NOVA, an international quintet that sits at the intersection of modern and contemporary jazz. The group has evolved over time, bringing together some of the most remarkable musicians of this generation. Zurstrassen combines the demands of his music with his presentation to the audience, offering a clear, collective and generous adventure led by exceptional improvisers.

At his side are two regular collaborators: French-Brazilian guitarist Nelson Veras, widely regarded as one of the most idiosyncratic musicians in contemporary jazz, and the Dutch alto saxophonist Ben van Gelder, who is also held in high regard internationally.

Two important figures from American jazz have been specially invited to join the group: The first is Aaron Parks, a world-famous pianist renowned for his extraordinary lyricism, who is particularly beloved by the Leuven Jazz audience. The second is Jeff Ballard, a monumental drummer who has collaborated with legendary musicians such as Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Brad Mehldau, Joshua Redman and Ray Charles.

These five musicians first met on stage in May 2024 at the Like a Jazz Machine international festival in Luxembourg. Inspired by this unique experience, Félix has brought this prestigious quintet back together for a tour of five concerts, culminating in the Leuven Jazz Festival.

Opener: Orson Claeys

Pianist Orson Claeys is a refreshing newcomer to the Belgian jazz scene, although that was not a foregone conclusion. “I don't come from a musical family, although it did play an important role. My parents had a large collection of cassettes, CDs and vinyl records. A wide variety of music was played at our home, from hip-hop to jazz and from classical music to rock.”

Fascinated by the appeal of the piano, Claeys went to art school, where his more in-depth exploration really began. However, it was only later in life, when he discovered the melodies of Herbie Hancock, that he felt drawn to jazz and changed his musical course. He completely immersed himself in this new sound and developed his own style, seamlessly combining jazz with compelling Middle Eastern and hip-hop melodies.

Influenced by renowned musicians such as Aaron Parks, Brad Mehldau, Ambrose Akinmusire, Shai Maestro and Dhafer Youssef, Claeys is constantly searching for his own unique sound within contemporary jazz.

At Leuven Jazz, he will present his debut album. Previously, he was given a spot at Lefto presents Jazz Cats with the hottest of the Belgian jazz scene and already released his first EP with five tracks.