Hein de Jong
Vibraphonist | Educator | Composer
Hein de Jong is a Dutch vibraphonist, composer and educator.
He grew up in a musical environment and started out playing the snare drum in local brass bands. The piano at home didn’t remain untouched either and soon enough he exchanged his snare drum for a full drum set to play in pop and rock bands. This all contributed to his broad musical curiosity and abilities.
While studying classical percussion at the conservatory of Arnhem he attended a masterclass by jazz vibraphonist David Friedman. From then on he knew the vibraphone would be his main instrument. After graduating in Arnhem he went to the conservatory of Hilversum to study jazz music. In 1988 he left for New York with a scholarship to study with Dave Samuels. He also enjoyed masterclasses in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Vienna with both Friedman and Samuels.
In the years to follow Hein appeared in countless international concerts, radio, TV and recording sessions. Notable was his appearance on national television with Rush Hour in 1989 during the Pall Mall Swing Award in the Concertgebouw of Amsterdam, in which Hein received the award for best soloist. Also in 1989 Hein played with ‘Friends of Swing’ at the Warschau Jazzfestival, not only was the group awarded but Hein again was entitled best soloist.
As a leader Hein recorded 3 albums, ‘’Get it got it Good’’ , ‘’Tribute to the Modern Jazz Quartet’’
and in collaboration with his son and pianist Jetse de Jong 2021 saw the release of ''Horace''.
Over the years Hein played with numerous musicians, among them:
John Engels, Ferdinand Povel, Greetje Kauffeld, Scott Hamilton, Heinz Kretschmar, Peanuts Hucko, Csaba Deseo, Butch Miles, Silvia Droste, Louis van Dijk, Pim Jacobs, Rita Reys, Joke Bruijs, Johnny Meijer, Bernard Berkhout, Philip Paar, Henk Haverhoek, Bert Boeren, Huub Janssen, Cor Bakker, Peter Nieuwerf, Leah Kline.
Music & Projects
Philip Paar & The Sinatra Connection
''Philip Paar pays hommage to Sinatra and the American Songbook with his group The Sinatra Connection. The band often enjoys guest appearances by Scott Hamilton, Deborah J. Carter and others. ''
Horace
Hein de Jong - Vibraphone
Jetse de Jong - Piano
Tim Hennekes - Drums
William Barrett - Double Bass
Recorded in Zaandam, 2020
''During the first lockdown, vibraphonist Hein de Jong and his son/pianist Jetse de Jong decided to get together and record a tribute to the compositions of hardbop pianist and composer Horace Silver. The album is the result of a lifelong shared passion by father and son for the swinging, bluesy direction jazz took in the late 50s and early 60s.''
Hein de Jong Group plays the Modern Jazz Quartet
Hein de Jong - Vibraphone
Fred Nardin - Piano
Christophe Drigon - Drums
Michel Martin-Charrière - Double Bass
Recorded live in Autun, 2007
''The Hein de Jong Group presents a beautiful tribute to the Modern Jazz Quartet, whose outstanding art form is timeless because of the perfect balance and blend between jazz, classical music, swing, counterpoint and blues. The music of the quartet was a highlight in the history of jazz and still sounds generous and warm. Extreme rich music, expressive and dense with beautiful moments.''
Get it, Got it, Good!
Hein de Jong - Vibraphone & Marimba
Berend van den Berg - Piano
Stefan Lievestro - Double Bass
Chris Strik - Drums
Recorded at Kwetterhof Audioproducties in 1994
''Get it, Got it, Good! is a creative mixture of both traditional and fusion elements. The musicians, coming from different backgrounds, succeed in finding each other in a swinging and uplifting musical landscape provided by vibraphonist Hein de Jong. The addition of some well known jazzstandards in addition to the original compositions contribute to a playful set of music. ''
Hein de Jong/Jetse de Jong Group
''Together with his son, Hein leads an extended quartet feauturing vocals and/or saxofone/flute. One moment you'll hear the group playing a groovy bossa nova song while right after that they could swing on a Duke Ellington composition. No matter the style, they succeed in capturing the essence of each song and express themselves in their improvisations
Education
Hein has been involved in music education for over 40 years. He teaches vibraphone at the Artez Conservatory of Music in Arnhem. He is associated as a bandcoach, vibraphone, drums and percussion teacher to the Muziekschool Oost-Gelderland. He wrote 2 books ‘’Playin'Vibraphone/Jazz Vibraphone’’ and ‘’20 etudes for Vibraphone’’ which both got published at DeHaske/Hal Leonard.
