Group of Friends is an Amsterdam-based collective led by Yoràn Vroom. Inspired by folkloric traditions around the world and adding collective improvisation as a core value, this group strives to entertain audiences emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. The collective presents original work by Vroom and has proven to be a breeding ground for experimentation in search of expanding the language of the Afro-diasporic culture. 

Group Of Friends is a collective of talented musicians who are both active nationally and internationally, each with a trademark specialism that has made their position in the scene unique. With collective improvisation as a common denominator, these musicians will provide their own interesting take on Vroom's repertoire with the aim of creating a process that stirs listeners both emotionally and intellectually. 

Through his (musical) upbringing, Yoràn Vroom has developed a deep interest in (West)African and Afro-Caribbean culture, which became instrumental in finding his voice as a composer. By working together with colleagues who all share expertise in the same field but add their own personal interest and experience, Group of Friends became a breeding ground for experimentation in search of expanding the language of the Afro-diasporic culture. 

After years of playing with international artists from a wide range of genres (including a.o. Frank McComb, Ed Motta, Snarky Puppy, Candy Dulfer and Benjamin Herman), Vroom has been dedicating himself to composing and the artistic leadership of Group of Friends since 2021. This has led to multiple shows, two albums and a composition assignment by the BIMHUIS, Amsterdam. “Yoràn Vroom quickly developed into one of the leading musicians of our time.“ – Vrije Geluiden. 

Yoràn Vroom’s Group Of Friends consists of:

• Yoràn Vroom | drums
• Itai Weissman | EWI
• Yariv Vroom | percussion
• Timothy Banchet | piano/keys
• Fantison Araby O’bryan | Mandinka percussion 
• Nathaniel Klumperbeek | bass