Jetse de Jong

Some think that pianist Jetse de Jong fell into a big pot of New Orleans’ Gumbo as a child. They say that after a few days he climbed out and hasn’t stopped playing the piano ever since. In reality he found his calling after hearing the music of rock ‘n roll legend Fats Domino.

Armed with steaming New Orleans second-line grooves and smoking blues licks, Jetse de Jong bends the keyboard to his will. His lifelong obsession for blues, jazz and gospel music from the South comes across in his original songs as well as in tributes to his heroes Dr. John, Ray Charles and Billy Preston.

Jetse is one of a rare breed. In Europe, he is one of the few pianists who has mastered the New Orleans piano style.. He is writing a book on the history and characteristics of this style.

In 2023 Jetse released his debut EP Jetse de Jong Plays Dorothy Labostrie. The single Rich Woman was played on the world-renowned New Orleans radio station WWOZ. Dave Doyle of the Syncopated Times wrote the following: ‘’... a toe-tapping gumbo which oozes the flavors of both New Orleans and New York City.’’ And: ‘’Distilled hipsterism, overproof.’’

Growing up in a musical home, his father being a jazz vibraphonist and his mother playing records by Randy Newman and Jim Croce, Jetse was set on becoming a musician from an early age. He played his first gigs in local bars and restaurants from 13 years old and his love for performing has kept him succesfully away from pursuing a career as a stockbroker, lawyer or counselor.  

Jetse de Jong and His Buckjumpers released the EP Jetse de Jong Plays Dorothy Labostrie (2023) and their debut-album Here at Home (fall 2025).

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