Bands members Steve Nelson Trio
Steve Nelson - vibraphone
Joris Teepe - contrabass
Eric Ineke - drums
About Steve Nelson
Born in 1954 in Pittsburgh, Steve Nelson has grown into one of the most expressive and respected jazz vibraphonists of his generation. With his warm, velvety tone, lyrical phrasing, and harmonic depth, he knows how to give meaning to every note.
Nelson began his musical journey following in the footsteps of his great inspiration, Milt Jackson. Even during his college years, he played in guitarist Grant Green's band — an early training ground that would permanently influence his musical direction. This was followed by recordings and collaborations with James Spaulding and Kenny Barron, among others, before he secured his place in David "Fathead" Newman's quintet.
Over the years, Nelson has grown into the vibraphonist of choice for an impressive array of jazz icons. He has collaborated with greats such as Johnny Griffin, Jackie McLean, Bobby Watson, Curtis Lundy, James Williams, and Lewis Nash.
Dave Holland
As a permanent member of the renowned Dave Holland Quintet and Big Band, as well as the George Shearing Quintet, he cemented his international reputation. Additionally, he was a close musical partner to Mulgrew Miller in the latter's Wingspan Sextet.
To this day, Steve Nelson continues to tour and record worldwide with Donald Brown, Renee Rosnes, Geoffrey Keezer, and Jeremy Pelt, among others.
Steve Nelson embodies the living tradition of the jazz vibraphone: rooted in history, yet always progressive, always personal, and always musically compelling.
About Joris Teepe
Joris Teepe is a bassist with Amsterdam roots and a New York soul. He has lived in New York since 1992, where he has become a fixture in the international jazz scene. He has led his own bands for over 30 years, and with 22 albums as a leader or co-leader—and more than 60 as a highly sought-after sideman—he has built up an impressive and versatile oeuvre.
Creativity is his trademark. Every concert is a new adventure for Teepe: for the audience and for himself. With his powerful, swinging grooves, open musical perspective, and international experience, he knows how to elevate any ensemble to a higher level.
When he arrived in New York in 1992 with nothing more than his bass and a suitcase, he dove straight into the heart of jazz. He studied with grandmaster Ron Carter and quickly found his way among the “who’s who” of the scene. He has worked with legendary names such as Benny Golson, Sonny Fortune, Rashied Ali, Billy Hart, and Randy Brecker.
His most intensive collaboration was with drummer Rashied Ali – known as John Coltrane’s last drummer. Between 2000 and 2009, they recorded five albums together and toured the world – a period that permanently shaped Teepe’s musical signature. In recent years, he has also regularly been heard with top Dutch musicians such as John Engels, Benjamin Herman, and Rob van Bavel.
Joris Teepe embodies the bridge between Europe and America: deeply rooted in tradition, yet always seeking innovation. A bassist with vision, guts, and an irresistible drive.
About Eric Ineke
Eric Ineke (1947) has been an indispensable force in Dutch and international jazz for more than half a century. With his powerful, driving swing, his deep-rooted love for hardbop, and his impressive knowledge of jazz history, he is a musician who effortlessly brings together tradition and energy.
His recording career began as early as 1969 with Ferdinand Povel. In the seventies, he became a fixture in leading Dutch ensembles such as the Rein de Graaff / Dick Vennik Quartet, the Ben van den Dungen / Jarmo Hoogendijk Quintet, and the Piet Noordijk Quartet.
Throughout his rich career, Ineke recorded countless albums and toured with an impressive array of American jazz greats. He shared the stage with legends such as Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, George Coleman, Al Cohn, Jimmy Raney, and Barry Harris, as well as contemporary stars like Eric Alexander, Grant Stewart, and David Liebman.
In addition to his international stage work, Eric Ineke is also a passionate teacher at the jazz department of the Royal Conservatory, where he passes on his knowledge, experience, and passion to new generations of musicians.
Eric Ineke is more than a drummer: he is a guardian of tradition, a driving force of swing, and a living link between the golden years of hardbop and the jazz stage of today.
A Common Language
This concert marks the presentation of a brand-new double CD, “A Common Language,” which the trio recorded in 2024 for Timeless Records. The two CDs feature 15 jazz standards, recorded in the studio of the Prins Claus Conservatorium, where Nelson and Teepe are both teachers.
The recording exudes craftsmanship, freedom, and intense interplay. The unique lineup—vibraphone, double bass, and drums—creates a transparent and adventurous sound in which every nuance is audible.
In fact, as far as is known, this is the very first jazz album ever by a vibraphone trio without piano or guitar. A bold, innovative step within the jazz tradition—and a concert that brings this special music to life live for the first time.
Jazz Magazine Jazzenzo on "A Common Language"
jazzenzo.nl writes the following on its site about the new double CD on “A Common Language” by these 3 men.
The double album truly possesses an abundance of beauty: ‘I Hear A Rhapsody’ sounds wondrous, and sitting still during ‘My Shining Hour’ is utterly impossible. ‘I Thought about you’ sounds melancholic, and ‘Star Eyes’ twinkles. The sustained ‘Lady Be Good’ caresses the eardrums, and the spirited version of Thelonious Monk’s ‘Well You Needn’t’ keeps you on your toes as a listener. Another such highlight is the imaginative interpretation of the infectious ‘Up Jumped Spring’. Only superlatives apply to this production, which flawlessly demonstrates that bebop is timeless and vital music. The fact that ‘A Common Language’ concludes with Duke Ellington’s classic ‘Satin Doll’ is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest jazz composers. A masterful and exceptionally richly filled double album!
Tickets concert
The concert on Monday, April 13, 2026, starts at 20.30 uur.
You can order your ticket for this concert Steve Nelson Trio here.
Location
Theater Junushoff, Plantsoen 3, 6701 AS Wageningen. Check for directions and parking options at Google Maps
