The music of These Things Happen lives in the spaces between Chicago and Amsterdam, composition and improvisation, sobriety and wild abandon, playfulness and innocence. Starting with classic pieces and originals from the Dutch and American jazz traditions, the group will digress, covering new ground: discover and ignore, grab and release, creating and letting go.
While the Chicago musician comes to jazz naturally, the Dutch approach to this music has often that been of respectful game and play. With These Things Happen this contrast is one of sincere joy. The compositions of Misha Mengelberg stand next to those of Thelonious Monk, Herbie Nichols and originals.
These Things Happen’s new long-playing disc 'A Gentle Reminder' comes out in March 2026 on the Corbett vs. Dempsey label. Their previous release was in 2022, from Astral Spirits Records.

Keefe Jackson, saxophone
Oscar Jan Hoogland, piano
Jason Roebke, bass
Mikel Patrick Avery, drums