Stef Joosten is deeply captivated by the concept of freedom in music, which led him to explore the realms of improvised music. The spontaneity and creativity inherent in the genre keep his musical journey fresh, dynamic, and authentic.

His pursuit of musical exploration took him to the Fontys Conservatorium in Tilburg and the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.

After years of working as a sideman and co-bandleader, Stef Joosten released his debut album More Life in October 2024. This album features duos with Anna Serierse (vocals), Koen Smits (trumpet), Prashant Samlal (guitar), and Jeroen van Vliet (piano). In these duo settings, Stef explores the intimate and introspective nature of the interactions, allowing his bass to take on less traditional roles.

The title More Life reflects Jonathan Safran Foer’s vision of making choices that enrich our lives, inviting listeners to explore a blend of introspection, hope, and subtle melancholy.

In January 2025, Stef led a European quartet through a residency at Paradox, featuring Ivo Neame (GB), Gard Nilssen (NO), and Jesse Schilderink (NL). After a week of joint exploration, during which the musicians developed each other’s musical ideas and compositions, the quartet performed a concluding concert centered around improvisation, interaction, and new material. The resulting live album, Light Motion, is released on SONNA Records in fall 2026.

Stef has led projects like TISOI (2019), More Life (2024), and Light Motion (2026).

As a co-composer, he has contributed to the collective works of Ezthetic and Nyala. Ezthetic released their first album in March 2022, and Nyala’s A Way of Life was released in May 2024.

Stef continues to participate as a sideman in projects including Fabio de Almeida, Rik van der Made, Rik Jasker, Koen Smits, and Trio dos Anciões.

Since January 2020, Stef has been sharing his expertise as a faculty member at Fontys Conservatorium Tilburg, part of the Fontys Academy of the Arts, where he also coordinates the ensemble program and contributes to other faculty tasks.
For more info: FAA Jazz

From July 2023 to 2024, Stef was part of Music Hub Brabant, a program initiated by Talent Hub Brabant aiming to systematically integrate talent development in music within the cultural landscape of Brabant.

For more information and Stef’s artist profile, please visit: Music Hub Brabant 2023/24

Interviews