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Jurjen Donkers

Jazz vocalist based in The Hague, The Netherlands

About Me

”What a beautiful voice you have”, Rita Reys responded after hearing Jurjen Donkers sing. She and other jazz legends, such as Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra, would set the standard for his singing which is characterized by both a genuine interpretation of the lyrics he performs and a great sense of timing. Or as pianist Peter Beets said recently: “This guy swings!”. Bass player and record producer Ruud Jacobs commented: “He is a real talent.”

Jurjen got into jazz at the age of 14 when he met Europe's First Lady of Jazz Rita Reys who's personal assistent he was from 2004 till her passing in 2013. Through her he was introduced into Dutch jazz scene. In recent years he shared the stage with a number of jazz giants such as Ruud Jacobs, Eric Ineke, Marjorie Barnes, Peter Beets, Lex Jasper, Rob van Bavel, Simon Rigter, Martijn van Iterson and Rob Agerbeek. He regularly performs with musicians such as Robert Koemans, Vincent Koning, Cas Jiskoot and Francesca Tandoi and recently joined a project with the West Coast Big Band. ​ Besided his musical activities Jurjen is also involved in organizing jazz events, such as Greetje Kauffeld's 60 Years On Stage tour, Eric Ineke's 70th birthday concert and a tribute concert for Rita Reys at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw in 2016.

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