Home » Member Page
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.