In the world of jazz, Olivier had the privilege of participating in special tribute concerts honoring the legendary harmonica virtuoso Toots Thielemans, as part of the Toots 100 celebration in 2022. He performed alongside former bandmates of Toots Thielemans, including Nathalie Loriers and Bruno Castellucci. As part of a collaboration with the Conservatory of Brussels, he was featured in the production of 'Toots 100 & Beyond' at Bozar, where he intersected with luminaries such as Gregoire Maret and Kenny Werner. Additionally, he founded the 'Young Toots Collective,' an internationally composed quintet showcasing Toots' most iconic collaborations.
Nowadays, he shifts his focus towards his own compositions, performing them with his own jazz quartet and working on his debut jazz album.
Bio
Born in Gent, Belgium, Oliviers started his musical journey in the blues scene, developing his harmonica skills at local jam sessions. Inspired by fellow musicians and the live experience, he made a firm commitment to pursue music for life. Choosing to study jazz at the Jazzstudio in Antwerp and later at the Conservatory of Brussels, Olivier stood out as the sole harmonica player in his cohort. Immersed in the vibrant scene of the capital city, he forged connections with numerous musicians who would become collaborators in his future endeavors.
Olivier plays both chromatic and diatonic harmonicas and has worked with acclaimed artists from a variety of genres, including blues, jazz, pop, rock, folk, and world music.
Over the past five years, his harmonica has been featured on 17 albums, as well as film and television productions. Notably, he has worked with the renowned rock band Absynthe Minded and contributed to the critically acclaimed new album of Belgian pop sensation Sylvie Kreusch.
In the blues community, he remains an active contributor, organizing jam sessions at the Missy Sippy Blues & Roots club and performing with his band Paradise Stompers at lindy hop and blues dance events. Sharing the stage with esteemed blues artists like Ian Siegal, Luther Dickinson, Roland Van Campenhout and Tiny Legs Tim, Olivier continues to have a deep passion for the blues and roots tradition. Currently, he is touring with vocalist and guitarist Leander Vandereecken, a talented, with whom he released a duo album.
Olivier was nominated for Best Instrumentalist by the Belgian Blues Association in both 2024 and 2025.
Beyond American blues, Olivier harbors a deep appreciation for African traditional music, showcased by his role in Tamala, a quartet blending West-African musical traditions with diverse influences. Their collaboration led to the 2021 album 'Lumba' and the 2024 release 'Diboli', which earned them Best Album at the Belgian Worldwide Music Awards.