Born in the Netherlands, he began playing piano at the age of five, playing in a family where jazz and classical music were placed on the same level. His father, a very music lover, plays standards. After the installation of his family in Belgium, he receives lessons from his elder Michel Herr. From 1978 to 1981, he was a student at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He learns the “bases”, the history of music, the practice of arrangement and composition. Among his fellow students are Diana Krall and David Kikoski.

On his return to Belgium, he devoted himself seriously to jazz and, having benefited from the teaching of Kenny Drew and John Lewis, became a musician very solicited. With David Linx, then drummer, whom he knew while taking classes with his father, Elias Gistelinck at the school of music of Hoeilaart, he forms a rhythm section completed by the bassist Hein Van de Geyn. All three have the opportunity to accompany great American jazzmen, long-time expatriates or passing soloists, such as Ernie Wilkins or Mark Murphy. His talent is also noticed by Belgian musicians such as the vibraphonist Guy Cabay (1984), the guitarist Philip Catherine (1986) or the Saxophonist Steve Houben with whom he formed a trio that recorded over time several albums (including “City of Glass”, 1989). He is also associated with the American saxophonist Larry Schneider, who at that time is frequently on the European scene: they co – wrote a record in 1987.

In 1990, he formed a trio with bassist Philippe Aerts and drummer Jan de Haas, a longtime accomplice (“Tender is the Night”). His play suggests the influence Bill Evans had on him.

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