AARON PARKS — piano

Hailed as “a new visionary” by the Jazz Times, Aaron Parks (27) is one of today’s most celebrated pianists. His latest release on Blue Note records “Invisible Cinema” received wide critical acclaim. Aaron has been a strong force in the music world for years, receiving accolades throughout his career. With effortlessly melodic lines and an inspiring propensity for beauty, he supplies the ensemble with limitless creative input. Apart from being a bandleader of various formations, Aaron performed and recorded with an array of jazz greats, including Terrence Blanchard, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Paul Motian.

PETER SCHLAMB – vibraphone

Inspired by sources as diverse as baseball, rap and Coleman Hawkins, Peter Schlamb (22) takes a unique approach to the vibraphone. With stunning accuracy and uncanny musical intuition, his playing can best be described as magical. Peter’s roots lie in St. Louis, and he is yet another addition to a long line of great musicians to come from the city. He studied at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York with forward thinking musicians such as Stefon Harris, Aaron Goldberg and Nasheet Waits. Peter remains an active member of the New York jazz scene where he performs regularly with musicians such as David Binney, Mike Moreno and Logan Richardson.

RICK ROSATO – double bass

Currently residing in Montreal, Rick Rosato (22) is one of the most versatile and virtuosic bass players around. His time is impeccable and his solos captivating. Rick’s sense of form, melody and harmony are as apparent as his perfect technical execution. As one of the most in demand bass players in Canada and beyond, Rick keeps himself busy playing with established groups such as the Ari Hoenig Quartet. Rick graduated from the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, where he studied with Matt Brewer and Larry Grenadier amongst others.

CRAIG WEINRIB — drums

Captivated by the jazz records his parents played for him as a child, Craig Weinrib (22) picked up the drums at age 11. Deeply invested in rhythm and tradition, Craig has developed a unique relationship with his instrument, characterized by raw energy, and a robust beat. Performance credits include sideman work with the Aaron Parks Trio, the Ben van Gelder Quintet, the John Escreet Quintet, and the Jonathan Batiste Band.Performance credits also include appearances with Jackie McLean, Joe Wilder, Junior Mance, Ben Street, and Soren Kjaergaard.

BEN VAN GELDER – alto saxophone

Despite his age, Ben van Gelder (22) is emerging as an important new voice on the New York jazz scene. Musicians and peers alike prize him for his unique sound, originality and artistic integrity. He performs all around the world in various settings and formations and has been the recipient of various honors and awards including the “Deloitte Jazz Award” (2009). When not performing Ben keeps himself busy writing, practicing and listening in search of a highly personal expression. Ben studied in New York with jazz greats such as Lee Konitz and Mark Turner. Currently residing in the Netherlands, where he is happy to be cycling over scenic canals, Ben often makes his way back to New York, where he performs with many acclaimed musicians such as Ben Street and Ambrose Akinmusire.

Frame of Reference – DEBUT

The band recently released its highly anticipated debut album, Frame Of Reference, recorded at the renowned Sear Sound studio in New York. The music consists of mainly original compositions, informed by a multitude of contemporary influences. Widely acclaimed Ambrose Akinmusire (trumpet) and Kyle Wilson (tenor saxophone) contribute their unique musical personalities to the music as special guests. The album also features a five part horn section on the album’s title track.

Van Gelder currently has a full bill of performances planned across various continents. The band will spearhead its European tour at the distinguished Bimhuis in Amsterdam after which it will be touring The United States, Holland, Canada, the UK, and Portugal from November until March. Frame of Reference is a poignant first statement delivered by likeminded, forward thinking musicians.