Sunflower

Sunflower is a trio that brings together three musicians from different backgrounds into a fresh collaboration. The band features singer and guitarist Amelie Spinks, bassist River Adomeit, and drummer Joost Lijbaart.

At the core of Sunflower’s sound is Amelie’s voice and guitar playing, which set the tone for a repertoire that blends folk-inspired melodies with elements of jazz and contemporary improvisation. Her songwriting combines clarity with openness, leaving room for interplay between the instruments.
On bass, River Adomeit adds both harmonic foundation and melodic counterlines, supporting the songs while introducing unexpected textures. Drummer Joost Lijbaart, a well-known figure in the European jazz scene, brings decades of experience to the trio. He is recognized for his work with groups such as Yuri Honing Acoustic Quartet and has performed on international stages ranging from North Sea Jazz to concert halls across Europe and beyond. His subtle yet dynamic playing adds depth and character to Sunflower’s collective sound.

Together, the trio focuses on creating music that balances song structure with improvisation. Their performances highlight communication on stage, where space and rhythm play as important a role as melody and lyrics. The result is a sound that is intimate yet energetic, rooted in tradition while open to experimentation.
With new material in development, Sunflower is positioning itself as a band that seeks to connect audiences through carefully crafted songs, personal storytelling, and the unique blend of its three voices.

Filmed and recorded live in August, 2025.

SET LIST
1. Pretty Boy (muziek en tekst: Amelie Spinks)
2. Sunflower (muziek: Joost Lijbaart, tekst: Amelie Spinks)
3. Hatchling (muziek en tekst: River Adomeit)

Digging the Archives
4. If a Woman Tells Her Age (tekst: Henny Vonk, muziek: Sunflower)

MUSICIANS
Amelie Spinks – vocals & guitar
Joost Lijbaart – drums & harmonium
River Adomeit – double bass

POCKET CONCERTS TEAM
Production: Arjan Went & Co de Kloet
Digging the Archives: Frank Jochemsen (NJA)
Sound: Wijnand de Groot
Sound assistant: Frits van Schendel
Camera: Arnaud Heymel (Heymel Visual)
Camera assistant: Yara Heijmel (AllYouMedia)
Editing: Arnaud Heymel (Heymel Visual)
Design: Marcel van den Broek (Oak)
Host: Ide van Gelder

THANKS
Mark van Schaick (Buma Cultuur)
Fabrizzia de Toni (inJazz)
Theater Kikker Utrecht
Raph van den Driesschen
Rimke Went (RimDesign)
Astrid Schenk (Worldofjazz.nl)
Niklaas Hoekstra (Concertzender)
Sem de Jongh (Concertzender)
Daen’s planten, Utrecht

Pocket Concerts is made possible by World of Jazz, inJazz, het Nederlands Jazz Archief and Podiumkunst.net