Ben van Gelder (25 years old) is a rising star in New York’s improvised music scene. Both critics and peers praise his distinctive sound and creativity as an improviser and composer. He has performed all over the globe in various settings and formations. He is deeply rooted in jazz and creates music that is inspired by many contemporary influences. This results in music that is lyrical at times, orchestral at other times, but always current. Frame of Reference, his highly anticipated debut album was released in 2011. It features some of the best and most innovative musicians including Aaron Parks, a master pianist, and Ambrose Akinmusire, a trumpeter. It received critical acclaim from the media worldwide and was accompanied by successful tours in Canada and the U.S. His most recent album Reprise (Pirouet), which was released in September 2013, was equally well received. Along with his regular quintet, the record includes guest performances by Mark Turner and Ben Street. Ben is a native Dutchman who grew up in a musical family. Ben decided early to pursue music, and he performed with and studied with many well-known musicians from the Netherlands. Ben moved to New York in 2006 to pursue his academic and music studies at New School University. He learned from jazz legends Lee Konitz, Mark Turner and others. Soon, Ben was performing at the city’s top jazz venues. Ben formed his own band at the Jazz Gallery in 2007, which is a place that serves as a creative hub for many of the most innovative improvising musicians today. This performance was the start of a long-standing relationship with the club, which has allowed him to experiment and mix with other groups and repertoire over the years. Since then, he has recorded or played with many jazz legends including Ambrose Akinmusire and Nasheet Waits as well as Rodney Green, Rodney Green, Rodney Green, John Escreet and Ben Street. Over the past years Ben received various awards and grants (vandenendefoundation.nl). His talent was recognized by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (nfaa.org). He was awarded the highest honor for his accomplishments during the program. Ben also won the Deloitte Jazz Award. This is the most prestigious jazz award here in the Netherlands. He was recently selected to be a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk Competition. Ben is currently working to release an album for a chordless ensemble in 2014. He will continue to perform in New York City and around the world. from http://www.benvangelder.com
