River’s playing combines a deep knowledge and appreciation of American jazz and folk music with that of other world traditions, which have been solidified through tours across Japan, Brazil, India, Nepal, South Africa, Israel, and Western Europe.

Having earned his bachelor’s degree from Oberlin Conservatory and his master’s summa cum laude from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, River is now firmly rooted in the Amsterdam music scene, and has performed with improvised music luminaries such as Jamey Haddad, Anat Cohen, Joris Roelofs, Billy Childs, and Matt Wilson.

His bold and concentrated approach to composition and performance has earned him the title of Jonge Maker for Jazzfest Amsterdam 2024, where he is using the position to explore unique influences of contemporary Classical music on improvisation and vice versa. As leader of improv-folk trio Flatland Prayer, River takes an interdisciplinary approach to songwriting, seamlessly incorporating elements of theater, visual arts, and spoken word.