Some traditions are worth preserving, exploring, and reshaping. That is precisely what trumpeter Ian Cleaver does on his new record Yarn! Cleaver has become a prominent figure in New York’s vibrant jazz scene, yet his roots lie firmly in the Netherlands. Growing up in Amsterdam, he studied at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and later at 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, to name just a few.The album Yarn! not only traces Ian Cleaver’s musical journey but also marks a personal milestone. Although he has contributed to countless recordings, this is his first true solo project in which he places his own compositions centre stage. The result is a unique collection of pieces, each dedicated to the people and events that have shaped his story. Inspired by the phrase “telling a yarn,” the album weaves these elements into a rich, cohesive narrative. Featuring, among others, saxophonist Ben van Gelder and pianist Timothy Banchet.