Young pianist/composer Jef Neve has become a prominent figure in his homeland Belgium and his reputation is rapidly spreading to the rest of the world.

Jef Neve (°1977) is at the forefront of a new Belgian jazz generation. He emerged as a blue-blooded jazz pianist, without ever losing sight of his classical background. ‘Blue Saga’, Jef Neve Trio’s debut CD was very well received in Belgium and abroad and was a best seller among jazz-CD’s in 2003. The second trio CD, ‘It’s Gone’ was released at the end of 2004 and the critics were raving. But the best was/is still to come.

Even though major labels aren't particularly cueing up for jazz musicians, the trio's latest endeavour, ‘Nobody is Illegal’, was released by Universal in some twenty countries. The international press, among others Stuart Nicholson from the British trade journal Jazzwise, talks of 'a new star in the European constellation'. Not bad at all. Neve possesses a unique lyrical feeling, which he, along with his excellent rhythm section manages to translate into swirling, inflamed compositions. Neve represents accessible, yet very genuine jazz and an ever-increasing audience is noticing it, from the main jazz festivals from east to west and north to south.

(c) Bart Cornand for Flanders Music Centre