Thijs de Klijn
Thijs de Klijn
Jazz Guitarist, Composer, Educator
Thijs de Klijn is a jazz guitarist, composer, and educator from Utrecht. His debut album 'Factotum' received critical acclaim and over 150,000 streams, while his latest collaboration 'Stereo Talk' showcases his exceptional musicianship in intimate duet settings.
About Thijs
Thijs de Klijn is a versatile jazz guitarist whose musical journey spans from traditional jazz to experimental ambient and noise. Born in 1990 in Utrecht, he has developed a distinctive voice that combines technical mastery with creative exploration.
His work demonstrates a deep understanding of both composition and improvisation, with a particular strength in collaborative settings. From intimate duets to quintet arrangements, Thijs brings a thoughtful approach to every musical encounter.
Musical Journey
2025 - If I Loved You
Thijs's latest project with the De Klijn/Müller/Roos trio, featuring Hendrik Müller on double bass and Bob Roos on drums. The album includes original compositions alongside interpretations of works by Thelonious Monk, Misha Mengelberg, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, with a vinyl release campaign and concert scheduled for November 30, 2025, at Café De Nijverheid in Utrecht.
2023 - Stereo Talk
Thijs released Stereo Talk, a collaborative album with guitarist Piotr Lipowicz featuring intimate duets that showcase his refined approach to musical dialogue and improvisation.
Jazz Night Host at Jozef
Thijs hosted a monthly jazz night in Jozef in Utrecht for 2½ years where he invited different guests each edition. People who joined are Bart Wirtz, Tom Beek, Paul van der Feen, Gideon Tazelaar, Joost van Schaik, Felix Schlarmann and many more.
2018 - Factotum Release
In 2018, Factotum was released by Thijs de Klijn Quintet, a recording with musicians guitarist Thijs de Klijn (1990, Utrecht) met while living in Berlin. This album was praised by publications such as Jazzenzo and was well received online, with over 150,000 streams on Spotify and Apple Music to show for.
"With Factotum, De Klijn jumps right into the deep end without hesitation. His compositions are extraordinarily original, well structured, have surprising twists and are played by excellent musicians - mostly bandleaders in their own right. Thijs de Klijn creates his own voice on his debut."
— Jazzenzo.nl
2017 - Berlin Suite
Thijs collaborated with Swiss bassist Tim Verdesca on Berlin Suite, released on the Berlin label QFTF. This project was born from Tim's six-month stay in Berlin and featured Thijs on guitar alongside other international musicians.
2014-2016 - Berlin Years
From 2014 he spent two years in Berlin where he expanded the types of music he plays, now ranging from more conventional jazz to free/ambient/noise. In Berlin he wrote the music for Factotum.
He was invited to join Tim V to play and record the Berlin Suite, a piece of music written for people bassist Timothy Verdesca met while being in town for a few months. This band is still active and toured Switzerland and France multiple times.
Femme Vanille
Before moving to Berlin, one of the projects he was involved in was jazzpop band Femme Vanille with whom he recorded the Coordinates Album in New York and toured the Netherlands and Germany.
Conservatory Studies
During his studies at the Utrecht and Amsterdam conservatories he had lessons with Jesse van Ruller, Maarten van der Grinten, Martijn van Iterson, Reinier Baas, Durk Hijma, Eef Albers, Wim Bronnenberg and Peter Bernstein.
Musical Work
Thijs has released several acclaimed recordings that showcase his exceptional musicianship and deep understanding of jazz guitar.
If I Loved You (2025)
Thijs's latest album with the De Klijn/Müller/Roos trio, featuring Hendrik Müller on double bass and Bob Roos on drums. A mix of original compositions and interpretations of works by Thelonious Monk, Misha Mengelberg, and Rodgers & Hammerstein.
Support the Vinyl CampaignStereo Talk (2023)
A series of intimate duets with guitarist Piotr Lipowicz that demonstrates Thijs's collaborative strengths and musical sensitivity.
Listen to Stereo Talk on BandcampFactotum (2018)
Thijs's debut album with the Thijs de Klijn Quintet, featuring original compositions written during his time in Berlin. Praised by Jazzenzo and streamed over 150,000 times.
Listen to Factotum on SpotifyBerlin Suite (2017)
Collaboration with Swiss bassist Tim Verdesca, featuring Thijs on guitar. This project was born from Tim's six-month stay in Berlin and showcases the musical connections made during Thijs's time in the city.
Listen to Berlin Suite on BandcampLearn More About Thijs
Discover more about Thijs's musical journey, collaborations, and achievements through these additional resources.
