Sunflower

With Love Letters, drummer and composer Joost Lijbaart reveals a deeply personal side of his music. After more than 35 years in jazz, improvised music and world music, he felt the need to return to the essence of making music: presence, simplicity and genuine human connection.

That search brought him together with singer-songwriter Amelie Spinks and bassist River Adomeit. Playing with these young musicians—Amelie (22) and River (28)—introduced a new sense of freedom and vulnerability into his music. For the first time, Lijbaart (58) deliberately sets aside much of his virtuosity as a drummer, choosing instead for simple grooves and a warm, open sound.

The songs on Love Letters explore care, intimacy and the quiet strength of love. In pieces such as If I Was a Woman and Eight Hands on a Black Cat, Lijbaart reflects on empathy, loss and the longing to truly see one another.

The result may well be the most personal work of his career: music without armour, driven by a single desire—to look at life and the world through the lens of love.

Amelie Spinks – vocals / guitar
River Adomeit – bass
Joost Lijbaart – drums

SUNFLOWER
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, creating a warm, intimate sound that moves effortlessly between carefully crafted songs and spontaneous musical dialogue. With fresh sonic colours and poetic depth, the trio offers a heartfelt and distinctive take on contemporary acoustic music.

Joost Lijbaart (Amsterdam, 1967) has enjoyed an international career spanning more than 35 years as a drummer, bandleader and sideman. His broad 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 awards, including a soloist prize 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 now based in Amsterdam, River draws on a wide range of influences, weaving them seamlessly into his bold and focused approach to composition and performance.
Amelie Spinks (Kent, UK, 2003) grew up in a small town in New Zealand before moving to Amsterdam in 2021 to pursue her passion for jazz and the double bass. Now, at the beginning of her journey as a songwriter, she is forging her path as an indie folk musician. Inspired by artists such as Adrienne Lenker, Joni Mitchell and Aldous Harding, Amelie's songs evoke the landscapes, atmosphere and storytelling traditions of New Zealand folk music.