His collaborations with mentors Philip Harper and Willie Jones III and nestors of the Dutch jazz scene like Karel Boehlee, Peter Beets and Juraj Stanik illustrate he is always trying to push himself and eager to learn from his elders. He saw Hargrove perform throughout Europe, studied his vast repertoire, jammed with him countless times and his committed efforts culminated in concerts with the renowned quintet at the New Morning in Paris and Jazz in Marciac. It provided the ultimate learning ground to grasp the essence of this music: the energy, groove, lyricism, improvisation and authenticity. The sheer joy of music and its incredible force to move people and get people moving, are an infinite source of inspiration and at the very core of what he intends to convey as a player, composer and teacher. After years of being a sideman, in 2025 he steps forth with his second album as a leader. It marks a new chapter where many ideas and developments behind the scenes finally see the light of day: leading a new band, writing lyrics, his debut on alto and his growth as a composer. At the same time it serves notice of things to come and directions to explore.