Eric Vloeimans (1963) is an improvising trumpeter and composer who finds the term 'jazz' too restrictive for his music. His work is characterized by a melodic and lyrical force, and a characteristic, individual sound that is called velvety or whispering in the more subdued pieces. His motto is: 'I make music for millions, but I haven't reached all of them yet'. However, he never gives in to the taste of the general public, and always remains himself. Vloeimans studied at the Rotterdam Conservatory; initially classical trumpet, later on jazz training. In the United States he took lessons with Donald Byrd and was part of the big bands of Frank Foster and Mercer Ellington.