SHAZAM

A self-described "jazzbossafolksoul-combo," Room Eleven were a five-piece from Amsterdam who played jazzy, smart, and nostalgic music. They began coming together in 2001 when guitarist and composer Arriën Molema answered a "musicians wanted" ad vocalist Janne Schra had posted at the Utrecht Conservatorium. It took until 2004 for them to round out a band with keyboard player Tony Roe, contrabass player Lucas Dols, and drummer Maarten Molema joining the group. Their effervescent live gigs around Amsterdam became more popular as word of mouth quickly spread. The Universal record 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. A year later the album was reissued with a bonus disc featuring the band's quirky cover of the Meredith Brooks song "Bitch." 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, Rovi