Jelle Van Giel (1986) is a versatile drummer and composer with a rich background in jazz and film music. He earned master’s degrees from the Antwerp Conservatory (2009) and the Royal Conservatory of The Hague (2011) and further refined his composition skills under Kris Defoort and Bert Joris at the Conservatory of Brussels & Antwerp.
As a performer, Jelle leads Close Distance Band and Jelle Van Giel Group, showcasing his own dynamic compositions and arrangements. He is also a sought-after freelance drummer, collaborating with ensembles such as Tom Bourgeois Rumeurs, the Christian Klinkenberg Orchestra, the Sam Joris Octet featuring Bert Joris and The Jacquelines. Over the years, Jelle has shared the stage with celebrated musicians including Toots Thielemans, Bob Mintzer, Florian Ross, T.S. Galloway, and Eric Vaarzon Morel. His performances have taken him to renowned festivals like North Sea Jazz (NL), Jazz à Vienne (FR), Nanjing Jazz Festival (CN), and Pukkelpop (BE). With a touring history that spans Europe, China, Iceland, and beyond, Jelle’s music has reached audiences around the globe.
In film and television, Jelle has contributed to The Spy (2019), Please Tell Me You’re Fine (2020), Over Water II (2020), and Charlotte (2021). His score for Apocalypse Nog Niet (2021) earned a nomination for Best Musical Score at the 48 Hour Film Project Rotterdam, and he placed in the top five at the RankMus Cosmos Laundromat scoring competition the same year.
Blending his expertise in jazz with his passion for cinematic storytelling, Jelle Van Giel continues to craft impactful music that resonates globally.
