New York-based saxophonist Ben van Gelder is being noticed. His sound, compositions and talent for improvisation are unique, both in the studio and on stage. It was in 2006 that the saxophonist decided to seek his fortune in America. In New York he studied under the legendary saxophonist Lee Konitz, among others. A year later van Gelder formed his own group with whom he often performed in the Jazz Gallery in Manhattan, the ‘incubator’ of rising jazz stars. In 2011, the Dutchman made his debut with the album Frame Of Reference. His latest album Reprise was released last year and features guest musicians like Mark Turner and Ben Street. In recent years he has been attracting a lot of international attention and, among other things, won the Deloitte Jazz Award. Van Gelder also reached the semi-finals of the prestigious Thelonious Monk Competition. He is currently busy working on his new studio album which will be released this year.
