When we last welcomed the Gabriël Noerens Trio to this space in January with Be Swingin’, it was clear that these three young musicians from Codarts, Rotterdam, were carving their place in today’s jazz landscape. Now, with the release of their instrumental EP “With Love,” the trio makes good on that promise, stepping into a richer, more reflective chapter of their story — one where subtle chemistry, refined artistry, and fearless openness to tradition and innovation coexist in perfect balance.
The trio itself embodies a meeting of worlds: Belgian drummer Gabriël Noerens, Dutch guitarist Thijmen Melissant, and Dutch bassist Eljo Hendrosuseno. Together, they form a unit whose strength lies not in flashy display, but in the kind of trust and interplay that feels like three languages merging into a single dialect. Their shared passion for jazz is undeniable, but what sets them apart is the way they reframe the tradition with a distinctly modern sensibility — dreamy guitar textures, basslines that smolder with quiet intensity, and drums that are equal parts pulse and punctuation.
With Love is built around three compositions: “With Love,” “Donuts,” and “Secret Champ.” At its core, the EP is a study in conversation. Each piece feels less like a performance and more like an intimate dialogue between friends who know when to speak, when to listen, and when to leave silence to say what words cannot.
The title track, “With Love,” is the emotional centerpiece. Its phrasing unfolds with tenderness, never rushing, allowing melodies to breathe. Jef Neve’s piano contributions deserve special mention here: his lines shimmer with restraint and emotion, weaving seamlessly into the trio’s tapestry rather than overshadowing it. The result is an ensemble sound that is conversational, not hierarchical — a reminder that jazz at its best is democratic, each instrument a voice in the dialogue.
“Donuts” shifts the mood into playful territory, its grooves modern yet grounded. Melissant’s guitar tone is luminous, at times echoing the ethereal edge of Bill Frisell while retaining his own identity. Hendrosuseno’s bass glides beneath, sensual and measured, while Noerens’ drumming alternates between driving rhythm and delicate brushwork, always listening, always shaping.
Finally, “Secret Champ” closes the EP with a sense of mystery and understated confidence. It is a piece that lives in the in-between — not overly declarative, but quietly commanding. You feel the trio’s collective maturity here: a willingness to resist the urge to fill space, letting notes linger long enough to become memory.
The production of With Love mirrors the trio’s ethos — clean, spacious, and warm. Nothing feels compressed or rushed; instead, every detail is given clarity, from the subtle dynamics of the bass to the resonance of guitar harmonics and the shimmer of cymbals. The mix ensures that each instrument has space to breathe, which is crucial for a group whose artistry depends on interplay and nuance.
Ultimately, With Love is more than just a showcase of the Gabriël Noerens Trio’s technical expertise (which is considerable). It’s a reflection of their ethos as musicians: respect for the jazz tradition coupled with a contemporary, forward-thinking voice. It is elegant without pretension, modern without severing ties to the roots. Most importantly, it is deeply human.
Welcoming them back to this platform feels like welcoming old friends who have returned not just older, but wiser — carrying stories worth listening to. The Gabriël Noerens Trio has given us an EP that lingers long after the final note fades, reminding us that sometimes the most powerful conversations happen without words at all.
Listen to “With Love” on Spotify
Follow the Gabriël Noerens Trio here for more information
