With his distinctive sound and energetic, lyrical approach, Rotterdam-based trumpet player/composer/arranger Jan van Duikeren (Schiedam 1975) now ranks among a select group of internationally acclaimed Dutch jazz artists. His critically acclaimed album Short Stories ( Zennez Records) was awarded 2 Edison Awards in 2022, (The Netherlands’ most prestigious music award) . In 2025, A love Unveiled, ( Labeltje Labeltje records) , which he recorded together with Dutch singer Marcel Veenendaal, earned him his 3rd Edison as a bandleader.
Recognized by Quincy Jones as one of the top Dutch players, his extensive musical interests and outstanding versatility have ensured his success as a much sought-after solo player and side-man. This popularity has secured him an impressive array of musical outings with leading artists and bands representing virtually all musical genres, including Paul Weller, Dr. John, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Chris McBride, Joe Bonamassa, Peter Maffay, Lionel Richie, James Carter, Bob Brookmeyer, Michel Camilo, Sheila E, Dave Stewart, Diana Ross, Candy Dulfer, New Cool Collective and Trijntje Oosterhuis.
His extensive discography, which includes numerous internationally acclaimed and award-winning albums, both as a sideman and bandleader, generally marks Jan’s unique position in the modern international music scene, making him one of the most successful and influential Dutch trumpeters of his generation. As Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant wrote: “The most sought-after trumpet player in the Netherlands. Technically excellent, has an impressive solo and is versatile while never losing his own identity”.
His new compositions and arrangements appear regularly with his own groups Fingerprint, Jan van Duikeren & Marcel Veenendaal, Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw (JOC) and The Special Request Horns.
After finishing the Havo for Muziek and Dans, Jan studied with Jarmo Hoogendijk and Ad van Zon at the Codarts Conservatory in Rotterdam, where he graduated in 1999. During his studies, he was invited to play in the new big band of Bob Brookmeyer and also became one of the regular faces of the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw. In 1997 he won the first edition of the Erasmus Jazz Prize, a prize for promising jazz soloists. In that same year, he was discovered by Candy Dulfer with whom he has by now, worked on many tours and recordings. This collaboration not only gave Jan worldwide fame as a soloist, it also turned into a strongly-knit collaboration and friendship that continues to this day.
Recent highlights for Jan include tours of JOC and Joshua Redman (2020) , “Blue Note at Sea“ with Candy Dulfer (2019), Jarasum Jazz Festival in Korea with Tineke Postma (2019), North Sea Jazz Festival with Michel Camilo (2019), Maffay MTV unplugged (2017), Japan tour with the JvD4 (2015), Tour with Dr. John (2014). China tour with Fingerprint (2024), Stadium tour Pater Maffay (2024). De Kuip Stadium Rotterdam with Di-rect (2025)
At the North Sea Jazz Festival 2014, Jan had a meeting with one of his greatest musical heroes: Quincy Jones, (a trumpet player by origin), who, to Jan’s great surprise, already knew who he was, even naming a few particular elements of his playing that he appreciated.
As a band leader, Jan released albums with Fingerprint and JVD4 which later became Jan van Duikeren & Marcel Veenendaal.. Fingerprint’s equally named debut album from 2011 was highly appraised by press and radio, and gained much airplay. The album inspired the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw to Jan/‘s music: which is heard on the live album ”Scribblin’ ” (2014), which also heralded the beginning of a more modern band sound for the JOC.
A more traditional quartet JvD4, is formed together with Karel Boehlee (p), Aram Kersbergen (b) and John Engels (dr). In 2015 the album ”Dear John” was recorded, as a tribute to the drummer of the band, John Engels, followed by a Japanese tour with the highlight being a concert at the renowned Tokyo Jazz Festival.
In 2020 the JVD-4 recorded a ballad album named Short Stories, together with the Metropole Orchestra Strings, Tineke Postma and Marcel Veenendaal which was awarded with 2(!) prestigious Edison Jazz Prizes in 2022.
April 2023 marked a new highlight with the release of a brand new Fingerprint album named Pleasure As Usual, with Tom Beek on tenor sax, Salle de Jonge on drums, Timothy Banchet keys, Hugo den Oudsten bass, Jesse van Ruller Guitar, Shirma Rouse vocals, and many more internationally acclaimed dutch musicians.
In June 2024 Jan has been invited to join German superstar Peter Maffay on his farewell stadium tour and also be responsible for the horn arrangements. Two other mentionable highlights were the first foreign tour of Fingerprint to China, and the recording of a new solo album together with Marcel Veenendaal, called A love Unveiled, ( featuring John Engels, Karel Boehlee and Aram Kersbergen, formerly known as JVD4). Their live performance on the Dutch TV program Jinek caused a run on ticket sales, resulting in a completely sold-out tour within a few days
2025 turned out to be an incredibly productive and successful year in many ways.
– Fingerprint released their 3rd studio album Slow Your Roll, ( Zip Records)
– First ever sold-out concerts with Fingerprint
– Sold out tour with Marcel Veenendaal
– North Sea Jazz Festival + Sold-out show at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw
– Presented a Lifetime Achievements Award to 90 years old drummer and dear friend John Engels.
– 3 unforgettable concerts with Di-rect at De Kuip Stadion, Rotterdam
Summer festivals in Germany with German legendary artist Peter Maffay.
– Edison Award for the album A Love Unveiled
– Performances at Shanghai Jazz Festival with Fingerprint
In addition to his own projects, Jan is currently performing with:
-Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw
-New Cool Collective Big Band
-New Rotterdam Jazz orchestra
-Di-rect (with the Special Request Horns)
-Candy Dulfer.
Van Duikeren enjoys to be connected with fellow musicians or future fellow musicians all over the world. He is a sought-after educator and guest soloist, Masterclasses / guest performances include Japan, China, Germany, Amsterdam, Serbia, Czech Republic and Belgium. Jan is currently on faculty at Codarts conservatory Rotterdam (trumpet & improvisation) , together with Jarmo Hoogendijk and Wim Both.
Since 2023 until today, Jan van Duikeren has been a Yamaha trumpet artist, currently using the 8310 Z Bobby Shew trumpet and flugelhorn.
