Sunflower (UK / Dutch / US trio)

This new trio brings together drummer Joost Lijbaart with rising talents River Adomeit (bass) and Amelie Spinks (vocals & guitar). Rooted in the singer-songwriter tradition, the group combines introspective storytelling with the spirit of improvisation.

Their original compositions draw inspiration from Joni Mitchell, Americana, and folk music, creating a warm and intimate sound that moves between structured songwriting and spontaneous musical dialogue. With new sonic colors and poetic depth, the trio offers a fresh and soulful perspective on contemporary acoustic music.

Sunflower’s members are:

Joost Lijbaart (Amsterdam, 1967)

Joost Lijbaart has had an international career of more than 35 years as a drummer, bandleader, and sideman. His wide-ranging musical interests include jazz, pop, rock, songwriting, and traditional music from West Africa, North India, and the Middle East.

Over the course of his career he has received several distinctions, including a soloist prize awarded to him by drummer Elvin Jones at the North Sea Jazz Festival.

River Adomeit (Connecticut, USA, 1996)

River Adomeit is a songwriter and improviser with deep roots in the American folk and jazz traditions. Originally from the United States and currently based in Amsterdam, River draws on a wide range of influences that he effortlessly weaves into his bold and focused approach to composition and performance.

Amelie Spinks (Kent, UK, 2003)

Raised in a small town in New Zealand, Amelie moved to Amsterdam in 2021 to pursue her passion for jazz and double bass. Now at the beginning of her development as a songwriter, she is embarking on a journey as an indie-folk musician.

Inspired by artists such as Adrienne Lenker, Joni Mitchell, and Aldous Harding, Amelie’s songs embody the atmosphere and storytelling tradition of New Zealand folk music.