Room Eleven

A self-described "jazzbossafolksoul-combo," Amsterdam quintet Room Eleven began coming together in 2001 when guitarist and composer Arriën Molema answered a "musicians wanted" ad posted by vocalist Janne Schra. It took until 2004 for them to round out a band with keyboard player Tony Roe, contrabass player Lucas Dols, and drummer Maarten Molema. Their effervescent live gigs around Amsterdam became popular and the Universal label caught wind of Room Eleven, signed them, and partnered them with DJ/producer Floris Klinkert for their debut album. The result, Six White Russians & a Pink Pussycat, appeared in 2006. Room Eleven's second album, Mmm...Gumbo?, arrived in 2008 and achieved gold status, but the group disbanded in December of 2009, citing a lack of chemistry and excitement. ~ David Jeffries