Tom van der Geld

**Tom van der Geld** is an American-born vibraphonist who carved out a unique space in Europe’s jazz scene during the 1970s and ’80s. Known for his cool, textural style, he blended jazz with avant-garde experimentation, often collaborating with artists like pianist John Taylor and bassist Eberhard Weber. After settling in Germany, van der Geld became a key figure in creative jazz circles, leading the group *Children at Play* (also the title of a 1979 album) and crafting albums like *Patience* (1978) and *Out Patients* (1980), which remain cult favorites for their atmospheric, introspective sound.

While his recorded output slowed in later decades, recent releases like *Watching the Waves* and *Giro Girotondo (Acoustic)* suggest renewed interest in his work, possibly through reissues or fresh interpretations of his minimalist compositions. Whether revisiting earlier material or exploring new textures, van der Geld’s music still carries that signature blend of serenity and subtle complexity that made him a standout voice in European jazz.