Idle Moments is an international contemporary jazz ensemble co-led by saxophonist Nikita Sipiagin from New York and trumpeter Emiel Verneert from Ghent. The band brings together musicians from across the globe, including pianist Max Teakle from Australia, bassist Joan Codina from Spain, and drummer Genius Wesley from California. United by a shared musical vision, the group met while studying at the Jazz Campus Basel, where their collaboration began to take shape.
During their studies, the band members had the opportunity to learn from and work closely with musicians such as Mark Turner, Larry Grenadier, Jeff Ballard, and Jorge Rossy. These experiences have played an important role in shaping the band's ensemble sound and musical direction. Idle Moments has toured extensively throughout Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, and Spain. In September 2025, the band won the B-Jazz Competition, marking an important milestone in their development. The group has performed and is scheduled to perform at notable jazz festivals including Getxo Jazz, Jazz in 't Park in Ghent, and the Em Bebbi sy Jazz Festival in Basel, continuing to build a strong presence on the European jazz scene.
