Tim Kliphuis

Tim Kliphuis is a Dutch violinist who has gained worldwide recognition for his unique style that blends gypsy jazz with classical and folk music. He was born on September 30, 1974, in Utrecht, Netherlands, and his musical journey began at a young age.

Kliphuis began playing the violin at the age of four and was initially trained in the classical tradition. However, he was drawn to jazz and other genres of music, which eventually led him to explore the possibilities of blending different styles. He has since become a leading figure in the world of gypsy jazz, a genre that originated in France in the 1930s and is characterized by its lively rhythms and virtuosic improvisation.

Kliphuis has released several albums throughout his career, each showcasing his innovative approach to music. His debut album, “Swingmatism,” was released in 2005 and featured his trio, which included guitarist Paulus Schafer and bassist Arnoud van den Berg. The album was critically acclaimed and established Kliphuis as a rising star in the world of jazz.

In 2007, Kliphuis released his second album, “Reflecting the Seasons,” which saw him expand his sound to include elements of classical music and folk music. The album featured a number of original compositions, as well as covers of traditional tunes, and demonstrated Kliphuis’s ability to seamlessly blend different styles.

In 2013, Kliphuis released “The Grappelli Tribute,” a tribute to the legendary jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli, who was a major influence on Kliphuis’s own playing. The album features Kliphuis trio, as well as guest appearances by several other musicians, and showcases Kliphuis improvisational skills.
Since 2015, Kliphuis has been a member of the string faculty of the Conservatoire of Amsterdam, currently teaching improvisation to Strings and Young Talent.
From 2012 to 2017, he was professor of jazz violin at Fontys Conservatoire in Tilburg. In 2012, he released his second book Grappelli Licks (Lowland Publications). In 2017, he hosted workshops at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague.
Kliphuis has also collaborated with a number of other musicians throughout his career, including guitarist Fapy Lafertin, accordionist Richard Galliano, and bassist Neil Swainson.
In 2018 Kliphuis published the tuition book ‘Improvisation for Strings’ for classically trained people. In 2019, he released an album with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, titled “Classical Swing,” which featured arrangements of classical works by Bach, Vivaldi, and others, reinterpreted in Kliphuis’s signature gypsy jazz style.

Selected orchestral compositions
2015: “Reflecting the Seasons” (Netherlands Chamber Orchestra)
2016: “Ulysses” (Omsk Philharmonic)
2018: “Brandenburg” (Residentie Orchestra)
2019: “The Stirling Queen” (Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh)
2020: “The Five Elements”
2021: “Train to Basel” (Ricciotti Ensemble)
2021: “Phoenix Reborn” (NTR Zaterdagmatinee, Radio Filharmonisch Orkest)
Honours
2013: Scottish Jazz Award, International
2017: South African Woordfees Award, Best Classical Performance
2021: Polish Swing Raven Award (Spring Jazz festival)
Endorsements
Tim Kliphuis is a Pirastro [de] artist and plays on Evah Pirazzi strings.
Kliphuis is a DPA artist and has used the DPA 4099 Violin microphone on stage since 2009, when it was first produced.
Selected discography
2004: Live at Djangofest Northwest (Gypsy Jazz)
2005: The Grappelli Tribute (Robinwood)
2007: Live in Glasgow (Lowland)
2007: Swingin’ the Classics (Robinwood)
2008: Counterpoint Swing (Lowland)
2010: Acoustic Voyage (Lowland)
2011: Tim Kliphuis and Friends: Live at Iford Manor (Iford)
2012: Tim Kliphuis & Paulus Schäfer Trio: Rock Django (Lowland)
2013: Tim Kliphuis Trio: The Grappelli Album (Lowland)
2015: Tim Kliphuis Sextet: The Hilversum Sessions (Lowland)
2016: Tim Kliphuis Trio & Orchestra: Reflecting the Seasons (Sony Classical)
2018: Tim Kliphuis Trio & Orchestra: Concertos (Sony Classical)
2020: Tim Kliphuis Trio: The Five Elements (Lowland)