Jessy Hay

Guitarist, composer, musical director, and songwriter based in Amsterdam. After graduating with honors from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, he established himself as a prominent session guitarist in both the Dutch and international music scenes.

Over the years, Jessy has toured and recorded with renowned artists including Alain Clark, Ruth Jacott, Yoni Rechter, Rami Kleinstein, Wicked Jazz Sounds, Korin Allal, Big Black & Beautiful, and Jennie Lena. He currently performs in high profile West End musicals at the Royal Carré Theater and is a regular performer at the Royal Concertgebouw. He also served as the musical director for Beautiful Strangers, a successful live production celebrating the music of Prince.

As the regular guitarist for Karsu, Jessy tours worldwide, performing at major festivals and arenas, including the main stage of the North Sea Jazz Festival. He is a key collaborator on her albums and a co-writer for her releases. In 2026, they were named Ambassadors of Freedom, headlining many of the Netherlands’ largest festival stages as part of the annual national celebration.

Known for his stylistic range, Jessy moves effortlessly between genres. While jazz-trained at the highest level, he is equally at home in pop, soul, funk, and indie contexts. His deep interest in Middle Eastern and Oriental music led him to become a regular member of the Marmoucha Orchestra, a house ensemble hosting world-class artists from across the Levant and North Africa, fusing Gnawa, Shabi, Arabesque, Turkish, and Persian influences. This versatility has made him a trusted collaborator for diverse studio sessions and live productions. He is officially endorsed by Gibson Guitars, and writes and produces music for numerous other artists.

Alongside his session career, Jessy’s solo work reflects a personal blend of dreamy pop, soulful rock, and indie textures. He has released three jazz EPs with the Jessy Hay Quintet and a full length singer-songwriter album, bringing together technical depth and emotional honesty in a distinctive way.

Teaching remains a vital part of his journey. Having mentored hundreds of students, Jessy is currently developing an extensive music and guitar method book, translating his academic training and experience on the world’s stages into a practical guide for the next generation of players.