Idle Moments
Country of Origin
USA
Styles
Hardbop, Jazz
Biography
Idle Moments Quintet is a rising international jazz ensemble formed in 2023 by a group of young, highly skilled musicians from the United States, Australia, Spain, and Belgium. The band came together while studying at the Jazz Campus of the Musik-Akademie Basel in Switzerland, where they honed their craft under the guidance of renowned jazz artists such as Mark Turner, Larry Grenadier, and Jorge Rossy.
The quintet is led by alto saxophonist Nikita Sipiagin, a New York-born musician with deep jazz lineage—his parents are acclaimed jazz trumpeter Alex Sipiagin and singer Monday Michiru, and his maternal grandparents are legendary saxophonist Charlie Mariano and pianist-composer Toshiko Akiyoshi. This rich heritage is evident in Sipiagin’s expressive and dynamic playing, which blends American jazz traditions with a distinctly modern voice.
The band features Emiel Verneert on trumpet (Belgium), Max Teakle on piano (Australia), Joan Codina on bass (Spain), and Genius Wesley on drums (USA). Their collective background fosters a unique musical dialogue, merging diverse cultural influences into a cohesive and powerful sound. Rooted in the jazz tradition yet firmly oriented toward contemporary expression, their music is characterized by original compositions, tight ensemble playing, and intense improvisational energy.
Idle Moments quickly gained recognition across Europe, winning the prestigious B-Jazz Competition in Belgium and performing at major jazz venues and festivals in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and beyond. Their live performances are noted for their emotional depth, technical precision, and vibrant stage presence.
The quintet has performed at notable venues such as Bird’s Eye Jazz Club in Basel and Club Voltaire in Tübingen, where their 2025 concert was broadcast by Radio Micro-Europa. They are also scheduled to perform at Q4 in Rheinfelden in April 2024, further solidifying their presence on the European jazz circuit.
With a sound that ranges from raw and expressive to smooth and refined, Idle Moments Quintet embodies the spirit of modern mainstream jazz in a fresh, international context. As they prepare to release their debut album in 2026, the band is emerging as one of Europe’s most promising new jazz voices, drawing acclaim for their maturity, chemistry, and innovative approach to the genre.
Social Media and Links
Upcoming Concerts
| Date | Time | Venue | City | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 16, 2025 | 19:00 | Jamboree 1 | Barcelona | Spain |