Since 1995, Dutch jazz trumpeter and composer Gerard Kleijn has led a very wide variety of his own groups and has made 12 CD’s as a (co)bandleader, all very well received by the international press and audiences. He played at festivals and venues throughout Europe, Syria, Mexico, Russia and the United States.
He co-leads his latest band Wild Man Conspiracy with the Argentine guitarist Guillermo Celano and Dutch drummer Joost Kesselaar (Knots 2014 and Short Stories 2016). The CD’s where released on the New York label Red Piano Records. In 2016 and 2018 tenorsaxophoneplayer Chris Cheek (New York)joined Wild Man Conspiracy for concerts in Europe. In addition Gerard can regularly be seen as side man in a wide variety of ensembles and big bands, including a regular gig at the Bimhuis every two months with the the Konrad Koselleck Big Band.
Gerard studied jazz trumpet at Conservatories in Hilversum and Rotterdam. In 2004 he studied in New York. In addition to his work as trumpeter, he is a dedicated trumpet teacher, workshop leader and bigband conductor . He was working as a guest teacher and/or big band conductor at e.g. the conservatories of Rotterdam, Enschede, Alkmaar, Bremen, Damascus and Mexico City.
European jazz has had its on voice for years and Gerard Kleijn’s Group is a fine example! He is one of the Netherlands finest trumpet performers and composers. Jazzreview (USA)
Gerard has made four CD’s with the Gerard Kleijn Group (Big Moves (1998), Love Quotes (2001), New World (2003) and (Le Flirt de Satie (2007). He made pure chamber-jazz with J.S. Bach as his source of inspiration with Bach Reflections (To B or not to B 2014). From 2007 till 2017 he was the co-leader of the 12-piece Clazz Ensemble with which he played new compositions especially written for the ensemble. The Clazz Ensemble recorded three cd’s.(Adventures Live at the Bimhuis, Delta Suite and Federico on Broadway).
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