Incandescence
Incandescence is a European based jazz quartet project with Nick Adema (Trombone, Canada), Maël Idris (Piano, Belgium), Paddy Fitzgerald (Bass, Australia), Genius Wesley (Drums, USA) and featured artist Ben van Gelder (Alto Saxophone, Netherlands).
Their debut album will be released in 2026 with fresh sounds records, produced by Lage Lund.
Incandescence is a term associated with the heating up of an object to create light. Similarly so, in this project the bond between Nick and Maël radiates through their music. With its hot rays, and clear intentions, does Nick and Maël present a set of original and traditional compositions from an international perspective.
The band is performing music reflecting the cutting edge jazz scene of musicians such as Immanuel Wilkins, Joel Ross, Gerald Clayton and beyond. The mixed global connection of the band, with the focused Euro-North American jazz sound provides the listener with a unique listening experience of what's new in jazz today.
Nick Adema
Nick Adema is a Canadian trombonist/composer currently based in Ottawa. Nick is a Rath Trombones artist.
Exploring the plurality of sonic environments is Nick Adema’s forte. Using the modest nature of the slide to express his musical vigour, Nick is one of the most versatile trombonists coming out of Canada.
Nick is also a sideman in the Netherlands, touring the country's largest jazz venues such as North Sea Jazz, Bimhuis, Tivoli, Lanteren Venster, Den Paard and others. Nick has called a number of prominent dutch musicians for his performances, such as Tineke Postma, Reinier Baas, Ben van Gelder and Jasper Blom. Whilst in his studies in Amsterdam and in Toronto, Nick has been the recipient of a number of awards during his studies in Amsterdam and Toronto, such as the Keep an Eye International Jazz Competition Best CvA Soloist, the Holland Scholarship, the Albert and Wilhelmine Renewable Scholarship Best CvA Soloist (Keep an Eye International Jazz Competition), Tim O’Hara Jazz Scholarship, Music Fest Nationals: National Arts Center, Best Brass Player Scholarship , Capital Regional Music Festival: Music Care Scholarship, Capital Regional Music etc.
Ben van Gelder
stounding control and precision but never premeditated. – Volkskrant
Simply stimulating, exciting and colourful. – Ottawa Citizen
Ben van Gelder (1988) is regarded internationally as an authority on the alto saxophone. Peers and critics alike praise him for his unique sound, lyricism and personal approach to composition. His music is firmly rooted in jazz tradition but embraces many other musical genres and disciplines. Visual art in particular plays a prominent role in his musical practice, and often serves as a framework for his writing.
Van Gelder moved to New York when he was seventeen and spent a decade collaborating and studying with some of the most progressive artists in the world. He formed a quintet of forward thinking peers (Sam Harris, Craig Weinrib, Rick Rosato and Peter Schlamb) and recorded three albums under his name. The ensemble toured extensively in Europe, Japan and the U.S.
During his stay in NYC, Van Gelder established strong ties with the Jazz Gallery, a venue that fosters artistic excellence and is known as a springboard for talent. Regular performances have allowed him to experiment with different groups and repertoire throughout the years. He has since played and recorded with many contemporary jazz luminaries including David Binney, Mark Turner, Ambrose Akinmusire and Ben Street. Van Gelder received a much sought after commission from the Jazz Gallery, which resulted in Among Verticals. The record, inspired by a painting of abstractionist Frantisek Kupka, garnered accolades in press publications worldwide. The music was arranged for and performed by several large ensembles, including the Grammy-Award-winning Metropole Orchestra, The Swiss Jazz Orchestra and the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw.
Maël Idris
Maël successfully graduated from the Bachelor degree at the Koninklijk Conservatorium van Brussel at the age of 18. At the moment, Maël is is doing his master studies at the internationally renowned conservatory of Basel, JazzCampus. Winner of the Dinant Jazz Contest - Young Talents 2023. Winner of the DownBeat Student Music Award - 47th edition, 2024. Wynton Marsalis noticed Maël at the age of 14, and will later be responsible for the strong relationship he has with his mentor Nduduzo Makhathini with whom he regularly gets lesson from.
Meanwhile, he also got lesson with Aaron Parks, Micah Thomas, Shaï Maestro, Lionel Loueke, Larry Grenadier, Jeff Ballard, Chris Cheek, ... Hamilton de Holanda, Grégoire Maret, Kenny Werner, which he opened their concerts more recently, noticed Maël and will spend some time giving advices to him which he never will forget.
Paddy Fitzgerald
Paddy Fitzgerald is a double bassist and composer from the Northern Rivers NSW, now living in Melbourne.
He frequently performs in the jazz and folk scenes across Australia bringing a unique voice as a bassist and composer. Paddy's latest album 'Book of Boobook' draws from his background in Jazz and Folk music while gathering inspirations from his love of the profound whimsy of Maurice Ravel.
Genius Wesley
Genius Wesley is a distinguished jazz drummer and percussionist celebrated for his exceptional skill and innovative techniques. His versatility and creativity have earned him an international reputation, leading to collaborations with esteemed artists such as Sean Jones, Buster Williams, Bill Bell, Geechi Taylor, Howard Wiley, The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol, Marcus Shelby, and Kalil Wilson. Genius's performances are renowned for their intricate rhythms and dynamic expression, making him a sought-after talent in both live and studio settings. His dedication to blending traditional and contemporary styles has solidified his prominence in the drumming community.
Genius's musical journey began in Oakland, California, where he was introduced to jazz at a young age by his father, who arranged private drum lessons. At eight, he auditioned for Oaktown Jazz, a program for young musicians, and was immediately accepted, marking the start of his venture into jazz. By fourteen, he was touring the Bay Area, performing five gigs a week. His formative years included collaborations with peers like pianist Luis Peralta, leading to the formation of the dynamic ensemble Jawn-tet.
In recent years, Genius has expanded his horizons, touring across Europe and performing in Israel. His encounter with renowned jazz trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire led to joint performances, further enhancing his musical journey.
