THE SECRET VAULT
DEBUT ALBUM OUT NOW
Opening the Vault: An Ode to Authenticity
The Secret Vault is a deeply personal debut album about letting go of the stories that keep us small and finding the courage to become visible. For years, I believed there was always one more step to take before I would feel ready to release my own music. The turning point came with the birth of my daughter Zoë. Wanting her to follow her dreams made me realise I had to grant myself that same freedom. The Secret Vault became an invitation to stop waiting for perfection and embrace authenticity instead.
Rooted in jazz yet shaped by a lifelong love for pop songs and traditional melodies, the album features original arrangements, improvisation and my first original composition, Water. It was recorded with my international quartet: Belgian pianist Dominique Vantomme, German bassist Werner Lauscher and Dutch drummer Geert Roelofs. Together, we chose an organic, live approach, capturing the music with as much spontaneity, artistic freedom, vulnerability and honesty as possible.
What began as a search for perfection ultimately became an ode to authenticity.
Listen & support
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RELEASETOUR 2026 - 2027
What began as a long-held dream has grown into a release tour of more than 25 concerts across Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany. Together with her international quartet, Vanessa Matthys brings The Secret Vault to audiences throughout 2026 and early 2027, creating the same connection and spontaneity that shaped the album itself.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Vanessa Matthys Quartet
The Vanessa Matthys Quartet is an international acoustic jazz ensemble based around Belgian jazzvocalist Vanessa Matthys featuring Belgian pianist Dominique Vantomme, German bassist Werner Lauscher and Dutch drummer Geert Roelofs. Together they perform music from The Secret Vault alongside new arrangements and original material, creating intimate concerts where storytelling, improvisation and connection take centre stage.
Nelja
Nelja is a mixed a cappella vocal jazz quartet, composed of four passionate singers deeply immersed in the world of vocal jazz music. Founded in 2022, each member of Nelja brings a wealth of experience from diverse musical backgrounds, culminating in a harmonious fusion of talent. United by our shared love for close harmony singing, we invite you to meet the team who have dedicated their lives to creating exquisite harmonies.
SELECTED
COLLABORATIONS
Ivan Paduart & Vanessa Matthys
Pianist and composer Ivan Paduart & Vanessa Matthys dive into the rich Belgian jazz tradition and explores the repertoire of Belgian jazz greats such as Bert Joris, Toots Thielemans, Eric Legnini Legnini eo.
Vanessa’s pure and honest storytelling will take you on a trip starting in Belgium and then taking it oversees with some of the (hidden) gems from the Great American Songbook.
Thomas Decock invites vol. 1
Guitarist and composer Thomas Decock invites friends over to his studio for an afternoon of playing and recording, all in a spontanious manner and without rehearsing. Capturing the moment is the essence!
Thomas invites vol. 1 featuring Thomas Decock (guitar), Vanessa and Zjef Van Steenbergen (double bass) is available on all streaming platforms.
The Brussels Jazz Orchestra
In 2021 The Brussels Jazz Orchestra invited me to be a guest on their live stream concert "Swing of Unity". Bucketlist material for sure!
Vanessa & Marc Matthys
Growing up with 2 musician parents, I've been sharing the stage with my dad, pianist/composer/arranger Marc Matthys since I was 12 years old. We have come a long way and have done several fun projects together. Singing Toots Thielemans' songs in duo with him and collaborating on a project with jazz trio and string orchestra definitely are highlights for me. You can listen to our record "Time flies, sit back and enjoy" on all streaming platforms.