The trio Verbist/Baars/Lagatie consists of Milan Verbist (piano), Tristan Baars (double bass) and Arne Lagatie (drums). The three musicians met at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp in 2020, where all three were studying at the time. Tristan and Milan have since graduated. The repertoire consists of both own work written by all band members, as well as existing compositions. The emphasis of the band is on playing together, with a focus on groove, swing and free improvisation, but always with great attention to interplay, melody and space. They draw inspiration from Bill Evans, Kenny Wheeler, Keith Jarrett, Bobo Stenson, Herbie Hancock, Marcin Wasilewski, among others. The trio has already played concerts at Rataplan, GC Felix Sohie, Platform Bernaerts, during Jazz in Thals, at Jazzzolder… and Milan’s graduation concert at arts center De Singel. They also recorded for VRT Klara, as part of Milan’s selection for the programme ‘De Twintigers’. The trio has already played around 40 concerts and has grown into a close-knit group.