Origin Records Artist Milan Verbist

A new generation of jazz musicians appears to be taking over, and you couldn't ask for better news... Their interplay is impeccable, and their camaraderie is impeccable. A mountain of atmosphere awaited us - powerful, convincing, subtle...
PitNieuws (Belgium)

At an early age, Milan was introduced to jazz through his parents, especially with his father Piet Verbist being a professional musician. As early as the age of five, Milan started playing the accordion. Around the age of seven, he made the switch to the instrument still closest to his heart, the piano. He studied at the MaGo Academy with classical pianists Arthur Vuye and Nicolas Callot. In 2016, he decided to study at De! Kunsthumaniora in Antwerp to continue his secondary studies, with Jazz Piano as his main instrument. Ewout Pierreux became his teacher for two years. During his time at this school, he started playing in a band and began giving concerts. After graduating from De! Kunsthumaniora, he was admitted to the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp with Erik Vermeulen as principal study teacher. During his time at the conservatory, he had the opportunity to take lessons and masterclasses and play with many prominent Belgian and international jazz musicians. In June 2022, he graduated from the conservatoire with highest distinction.

Today, Milan is a much sought-after musician in and around Antwerp and Belgium. He is bandleader of his own pianotrio and co-leader of several other bands. In 2022, Milan won second place in the '7 Virtual Jazz Club' competition with the band Cobalt Trio.

In 2023, Milan was selected to be part of 'De Twintigers 2023', a selection of ten young, promising musicians selected by public broadcaster Klara (VRT). As part of this, he recorded a video concert with the band Verbist/Baars/Lagatie in their studio 'Toots'. The online release of the concert took place on 13 March 2023.

On Sept. 19, 2025, Milan's debut album Time Change will be released on Origin Records. The album features his trio (with Toon Rumen, double bass; Jens Meijer, drums).

Some of his favourite pianists include McCoy Tyner, Wynton Kelly, Thelonious Monk, Herbie Hancock, Marcin Wasilewski, Cedar Walton, Bobo Stenson, Keith Jarrett, among others. Milan has played with Lionel Loueke, Jakob Bro, Chris Potter, John Ruocco, Bert Joris, John Bishop.