A Smart Move – The Rise of Intrioduction

Intrioduction quickly rose to fame after a string of captivating TV and radio appearances. Their energetic mix of mainstream jazz — inspired by Monty Alexander, Oscar Peterson, and Gene Harris — instantly connected with audiences. Frequent guests on the Dutch jazz radio show Sesjun, the trio earned praise for their swing, class, and professionalism. Their 1978 debut album featured liner notes by presenter Willem Duys, whose enthusiasm led to their first TV appearance on Voor de vuist weg, launching them into the spotlight.
Soon, their success spread beyond the Netherlands with invitations from top venues in Brussels, Cologne, and even a California radio special — “Intrioduction Day” — celebrating their growing global appeal.

North Sea Jazz Festival – The Golden Era

Three albums later, Intrioduction was firmly established as one of the Netherlands’ finest jazz groups. With Koos Wiltenburg joining on bass, they performed for several years at the North Sea Jazz Festival. One legendary live concert became their first double album.

In 2016, two classic early albums were reissued in Japan, proving that great jazz never fades.

The New Intrioduction – A Fresh Chapter

After the original trio split in 1985, Harry Happel formed a new lineup with Marc van Rooy (bass) and Hans van Oosterhout (drums). Their collaboration with Canadian vocalist Dee Daniels (1987–1988) brought standing ovations across Europe. Trio highlights followed at Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and Rotterdam’s De Doelen — moments of pure musical magic.

Sesjun’s 1000th Show – Full-Circle Celebration

In the 1990s, Harry performed with Hans Mantel and Wim de Vries, often joined by singer Ronald Douglas. When Sesjun celebrated its 1000th broadcast, Intrioduction was invited back — a joyful reunion with their roots. When Sesjun ended in 2004, it had earned a Guinness World Record as the world’s longest-running live jazz radio show!

Beyond Intrioduction – The Many Faces of Harry Happel

Harry’s musical curiosity took him worldwide — from Japan to Finland — and beyond jazz, into gospel and classical collaborations. His albums, including Jazz at the Pinehill and Songs for Christmas with Yvonne Walter, showcase his warmth and versatility.

Singapore & Antwerp – A Global Groove

From 2003 to 2005, Harry performed in Singapore’s top jazz venues, recording the live album The Groove Merchant at the Southbridge Jazz Club. Back in Antwerp, Café De Hopper became his musical home, hosting monthly “Harry & Friends” sessions since 1997 — a beloved local jazz tradition.

Generations – The Legacy Continues

In 2004, Harry’s son Sven Happel joined Intrioduction on bass, alongside Jasper van Hulten (drums) and vibraphonist Frits Landesbergen. Their album Generations symbolized the band’s enduring spirit — ever-young, ever-evolving.

Anniversary – Celebrating a Lifetime of Jazz

2016 marked Harry’s 60 years at the piano, 50 years on stage, and 40 years of Intrioduction. A special concert at Theater De Bussel captured the trio’s timeless joy — recorded on DVD for all to relive.

Live at “De Witte” – A Timeless Circle (2023)

Harry’s 2023 album Live at “De Witte” revisits four early classics, performed with his son Sven on bass. The same songs, the same swing — only now shared across generations, proving that music truly is timeless.