The Ghost, the King and I was founded in 2007 by pianist Rob van Bavel. Together with Vincent Koning (guitar) and Frans van Geest (bass) they form this “drumless” trio.
Their music is inspired by famous groups such as the Oscar Peterson trio, the Art Tatum trio and the Nat King Cole trio. The repertoire consists of original compositions and arrangements of standard tunes, mainly written by pianist Rob van Bavel. The music sounds traditional at certain times, or modern at other times, but is always heavy swinging!! The arrangements are very virtuoso and sparkling, and provide a lot of space for improvisation. The group-sound and interaction are incredible; you really must come to see and hear this trio at a live performance!
The trio has performed on the Tokyo Jazzfestival 2009, toured Siberia in 2010 and Korea in 2012 (and of course the main stages in Europe).
The three men are dressed sharp, sponsored by Tommy Hilfiger and Hans Ubbink.
In 2009 the first cd of the Ghost, the King and I was released by Daybreak/Challenge international (“En blanc et noir, No.11″)
Soon the second cd was released with original compositions and arrangements of the Gershwin Preludes and works by Debussy, followed by a Korean release with famous jazzsinger BuYoung Lee.
The most recent release features the fine dutch singer Liesbeth Kooymans.