These three musicians were at the conservatory in Ghent together and ended up becoming best friends. Fulco Ottervanger, who studied classical piano as well as classical composition, is the band's main composer. His work, therefore, doesn't always strictly fit within the jazz tradition, but you can most certainly detect the barmy seriousness of Cecil Taylor, the stubbornness of Thelonious Monk, the energy of Charles Mingus and the Dutch humour of Misha Mengelberg. Composition and improvisation are equally important in the music of De Beren Gieren. Their live performances are utterly infectious and irresistibly enthusiastic, making them the darlings of press and public alike. Their first demo-CD was very well received and judging by the onslaught of requests from the biggest organizers, it seems like the jazz world firmly believes in De Beren Gieren.

(JazzLab series 2011) 

 "Among other highlights at jazzahead 2013 were the witty De Beren Gieren from Belgium." Josef Wodard - Downbeat 2013