Blending jazz artistry with a touch of blues, this Ghent-based trio creates an intimate sound that’s both soulful and refined. Olivier Vander Bauwede invites guitar player Bart Vervaeck and double bassist Pieter Mortier on a quest for clarity and restraint, focusing on melody, tone and space as the music unfolds into a warm, understated sound.
%20Wouter%20Van%20Vaerenbergh%20edit.png?etag=W%2F%221ff2cd-6a23fd14%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fpng&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=498%2B333&extract=0%2B0%2B498%2B318)
Leander Vandereecken is a blues and roots singer and guitarist, and one of the driving forces in the Ghent blues scene. Together with Olivier, he forms an acoustic duo that blends traditional blues with contemporary roots influences. In 2024, they released their debut album Live From Room 13. A year later, they were awarded “Best Duo Act” by the Belgian Blues Federation.
Olivier Vander Bauwede Quartet/Quintet
In this project Olivier performs his own compositions, exploring the range of the harmonica as a lead instrument in jazz. The ensemble brings together a new generation of standout players from both Brussels and Ghent. With a strong focus on improvisation, their musical path stays open, never quite taking the same shape twice.
Tom Eylenbosch & His Brittle Bones
Tom Eylenbosch, one of Belgium's youngest award-winning blues musicians, discovered the piano at the age of ten and seemingly established himself as a virtuoso of blues and New Orleans piano. With his trio, he takes audiences on a journey down the Mississippi, blending classic New Orleans grooves with soulful blues.
Tamala combines diverse musical influences, blending the traditions of West-African music with innovation. Mola Sylla, one of the great Senegalese singers, is accompanied by kora player Bao Sissoko, Wouter Vandenabeele on the violin and Olivier on harmonica and guitar. Together they recorded 'Lumba' in 2021 and just released 'Diboli' in 2024.
This group of young blues musicians was formed by the late Tiny Legs Tim, one of the driving forces of the blues scene in Ghent, centered around the Missy Sippy Blues & Roots Club. In 2020 they released their debut album Missy Sippy All Stars Vol. I, capturing the energy of their live performances. In 2025 they followed up with Vol. II, further cementing their place in the blues scene.
Muddy Sippy Sessions
Every month, Olivier hosts unique sessions at the Missy Sippy club, featuring unexpected collaborations from Ghent’s music scene. Each edition features a fresh line-up of artists from diverse genres, from blues and Americana to jazz, folk, and world music, creating spontaneous encounters where tradition meets improvisation.
Matt T Mahony
Matt T Mahony aka Matti De Rijcke, a talented guitar player and prominent figure in Ghent's music scene, has gained recognition for his unique blend of blues and jazz-inspired improvisation. His latest album explores themes of searching for home, merging tradition with innovation for a fresh, modern take on the blues.
