“Arno Roesems not only displays plenty of potential throughout Allowed To Play but shows that he is already on his way towards becoming a very significant tenor-saxophonist.”
Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian
Biography
Arno Roesems is a Belgian-based saxophonist, composer, and teacher grateful for the chance to explore music across many styles. His debut album Allowed to Play came out on February 27, 2026—a collection of original pieces that reflect the varied paths he’s followed over the years. Recorded with Black Harrier with Jonathan Roseleth on drums, Mattias Biesbrouck on bass and Jelle Vastershaeghe on piano.
After graduating from KASK & Conservatory in Ghent in 2017, Arno has been fortunate to play in different settings: as a member of the contemporary Nemø ensemble (Transit Festival for contemporary music, Concertgebouw Brugge, De Single), alongside HERMESensemble, with the Brussels Philharmonic, as a stand-in for the Bl!ndman Saxophone Quartet, and as a soloist at De Bijloke’s BAL festival alongside pianist Nathalie Matthys, He’s also enjoyed working on theater productions with Ultima Vez, Kopergietery, and KVS, as well as in big bands, jazz combos, rock and pop groups, and other projects.
These experiences have taught him a lot about blending genres, improvisation, and connecting with audiences. He continues to learn through lessons with Bob Reynolds, the Grammy-winning saxophonist from Snarky Puppy, and is excited to share Allowed to Play as a small step in his ongoing musical journey.