With (i>Love Letters, drummer and composer Joost Lijbaart reveals a deeply personal side of his music with his band Sunflower. After more than 35 years in jazz, improvisation and world music, he felt the need to return to the essence of making music: attention, simplicity and genuine connection.
This journey brought him together with singer-songwriter Amelie Spinks and bassist River Adomeit. Playing with these younger musicians — Amelie (23), River (29) and Lijbaart (59) — brought a new sense of freedom and vulnerability to the music. For the first time, Lijbaart deliberately sets aside much of his virtuosity as a drummer, opting instead for simple grooves and a warm, open sound.

The songs on Love Letters explore themes of care, intimacy and the quiet power of love. In pieces such as If I Was a Woman and Eight Hands on a Black Cat, Lijbaart explores empathy, loss and the need to truly see one another. The result may well be the most personal work of his career: music without a protective layer, with one central aim — to look at life and the world through the eyes of love.

The album features several guest musicians. Guitarist Tim Langedijk and pianist Wolfert Brederode, both of whom also appear on the album, will join Sunflower for this concert.

SUNFLOWER
This new trio brings together drummer Joost Lijbaart and rising talents River Adomeit (double bass) and Amelie Spinks (vocals and guitar).
Rooted in the singer-songwriter tradition, the group combines introspective storytelling with the spirit of improvisation. Their original compositions draw inspiration from Americana, country, folk and jazz.
Together, they create a warm and intimate sound that moves between carefully crafted songwriting and spontaneous musical dialogue, offering a fresh and heartfelt perspective on contemporary singer-songwriter music.
Joost Lijbaart (Amsterdam, 1967) has enjoyed an international career spanning more than 35 years as a drummer, bandleader and sideman. His wide-ranging musical interests encompass jazz, pop, rock, songwriting and traditional music from West Africa, North India and the Middle East.
Throughout his career, he has received several distinctions, including a soloist award presented to him by drummer Elvin Jones at the North Sea Jazz Festival.
River Adomeit (Connecticut, USA, 1996) is a songwriter and improviser deeply rooted 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, seamlessly weaving them into a bold and focused approach to composition and performance.
Amelie Spinks (Kent, UK, 2003)
Having grown up 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 journey as a songwriter, she is embarking on a new path as an indie-folk musician. Inspired by artists such as Adrienne Lenker, Joni Mitchell and Aldous Harding, Amelie's songs capture the spirit and atmosphere of New Zealand folk music.

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