OTHELLO is the debut album by pianist and composer Orson Claeys. Bringing together influences from jazz, hip-hop, urban culture, and everyday life, the record offers the clearest portrait yet of an artist shaped as much by the worlds around him as by music itself.
Named after Claeys’ full name, Orson Dwight Othello Claeys, the album reflects on how personal experiences, cultural influences and artistic encounters shape who we are. Rather than treating genres as fixed boundaries, Claeys approaches music as an open and evolving language where jazz and hip-hop naturally intersect with contemporary culture.
The album features a diverse group of collaborators, each adding a distinct voice to Claeys’ musical world. Dr. Marshall Hawkins, legendary bassist and longtime collaborator of artists including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, opens the record with a spoken-word excerpt reflecting on music, love and humanity. Other guests include L.A. rapper IAMOMNI, Belgo-Brazilian vocalist Helena Casella, drummer and producer Lander Gyselinck, and oud player Akram Ben Romdhane.
From the R&B-meets-jazz textures of “SPIRAL” to the hip-hop energy of “WHAT A NIGHT” and the boxing-inspired intensity of “SHADOWBOXING”, OTHELLO moves freely between genres and disciplines. Urban culture, boxing and skateboarding further inform the album’s visual and creative language, reinforcing its central idea: identity is never fixed, but constantly shaped by the worlds we move through.
OTHELLO is out now, available digitally and as on limited white vinyl (300 copies).
Listen & order now.