Ben Van Bortel is a jazz guitarist based in Antwerp, Belgium, whose foundation lies in Jazz Manouche and the music of Django Reinhardt. Using that background as a starting point, he explores new sounds and directions on the instrument.

He has shared the stage with musicians such as Stochelo Rosenberg, Fapy Lafertin, and Bert Joris, and performed at the Festival Django Reinhardt in Fontainebleau in 2026.

While rooted in this tradition, his playing spans a wide spectrum, covering traditional and contemporary jazz as well as free improvisation. He performs in various setups, including solo performances, string ensembles, and modern jazz projects. Ben is also an active double bass player within the jazz circuit. His approach balances a respect for jazz tradition with an openness to different styles and expressions.