Room Eleven

Room Eleven, a five-piece Amsterdam outfit styling themselves a "jazzbossafolksoul-combo," delivered music marked by jazzy phrasing, clever arrangements, and nostalgic touches. Formation began in 2001 once guitarist and composer Arriën Molema replied to the "musicians wanted" notice vocalist Janne Schra had posted at the Utrecht Conservatorium. The roster reached completion in 2004 with the addition of keyboard player Tony Roe, contrabass player Lucas Dols, and drummer Maarten Molema. Lively shows throughout Amsterdam steadily drew larger crowds as word of mouth traveled. The Universal label soon took notice, offered a contract, and paired the band with DJ/producer Floris Klinkert to record their first album. Six White Russians & a Pink Pussycat reached stores in 2006. A reissue the following year added a bonus disc containing the group's offbeat take on Meredith Brooks' song "Bitch." Second album Mmm...Gumbo? appeared in 2008 and attained gold status, yet the members dissolved the group in December 2009, pointing to fading chemistry and spark.