Ian Cleaver may now be a prominent figure in New York’s vibrant jazz scene, but his roots are firmly planted in the Netherlands. Raised in Amsterdam, he was introduced to improvisation at an early age and, by sixteen, was already performing on international stages. His formal training took him to the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and the Manhattan School of Music, where he honed his craft under the guidance of jazz legends such as Buster Williams and Jon Faddis. Over the years, Cleaver has shared the stage with renowned icons including Han Bennink, Ack van Rooyen, Reggie Workman, George Coleman, and John Engels—just to name a few.