“Anybody who has heard pianist Jasper Soffers, knows that this is a man who has an abundance in all the talents that the contemporary jazz musician needs. His reading skills and flawless technique make him a highly sought after musician for large ensembles, studio work and the accompaniment of soloists, like Gino Vanelli, Bob Brookmeyer, John Scofield and Toots Thielemans, in a bewildering variety of musical situations.
In these situations the pianist must be someone you can trust with your life to supply the right stuff with empathy, taste, accuracy and initiative. Jasper has all that and more, as many greats from the world of jazz and fusion have experienced.
Because of his dependability Jasper was on call for singers like Oleta Adams, while Herbie Hancock made a point of saying how much he enjoyed playing together with Jasper.
What makes Jasper great is his general attitude towards music that enables him to blend into any musical situation while always retaining his musical identity and supply the situation with fresh and inspiring ideas and to let the music tell its story. This no small feat.
Jasper has devoted his life to a deep study of jazz and fusion styles and to really get into the nitty-gritty of it. That’s why he’s equally at home in a New Orleans-type band and in a swing quartet or a bebop group. The same goes for contemporary forms of jazz and all kinds of fusion.
As all great artists Jasper doesn’t discriminate between jazz, funk and soul as they are all of the same root. His playing demonstrates a deep understanding of the tradition, the here and now and an insatiable curiosity of what is yet to come”.
Hans Mantel,Dutch radio and television jazz host