Jonas & Jaki: Ben van Gelder

The drummer Jonas Burgwinkel invites you to a musically diverse evening with his concert series. In each edition of Jonas & JAKI, outstanding musicians from the Cologne jazz scene meet an international guest whose music is presented on the respective evening.

Ben van Gelder has been described as a national and international mega talent by teachers, audiences, musicians and journalists since the beginning of his professional career. A logical designation when a 15-year-old makes his North Sea jazz debut. But even thirteen years later, with the release of his third album Among Verticals, the aura of talent still surrounds him.

This is not surprising: the alto saxophonist from Groningen is constantly developing in fifth gear and is ahead of many of his contemporaries. Van Gelder manages to distinguish himself as a musician in several areas. He is most often praised for his timbre: warm, penetrating and controlled are regular characterizations.