MINDTHEGAP is an instrumental piano trio born in Transylvania that belongs to the new generation of cross genre Romanian jazz groups, with a unique style defined by a complex sound reminding of film music, nu jazz, fusion and progressive rock.
Despite the classic format of the trio (keys, bass and drums), MINDTHEGAP’s music creates a genuine blend of varied genres by using a modern approach of playing classical instruments, but also by adding different elements from electronic, rock and world music.
Created by Ştefan ORMENIŞAN (composer, keys) in 2023 together with two young musicians, Alex CIOATĂ (composer, bass) and Tamás ISZLAI (drums), MINDTHEGAP has quickly gained recognition, playing at prestigious festivals in Romania, such as Garana Jazz Fest, Electric Castle, Jazz in the Park Competition and many others. The band has released two albums so far, Distant Signals and Motherland (live album) with the second studio album coming by the end of 2025.
The story of the band starts in beautiful Transylvania, where Ştefan grew up playing piano since early childhood and being part of different local bands. After a long musical sabbatical period, while he became an award-winning creative director, Ştefan decides to restart his musical career by creating his first trio, trying to find the right musicians to express his artistic beliefs.
This is how, a very talented strings musician - Alex CIOATĂ - and a creative drummer - Tamás ISZLAI - joins MINDTHEGAP Trio to form a bold and fervent group. Weather performing on the stage or in the studio, the trio’s ability to mix together different sounds and musical influences results in imerssive experiences that are both unexpected and captivating.
Their compositions are inspired by the multicultural diversity of Transylvania, with raw and emotional harmonic schemes blending improvised solo’s and complex rhythms, allowing the audience to enjoy a diverse and unique soundscape.
MINDTHEGAP Trio stands out of the crowd on the contemporary jazz scene by showing an ensemble leading rather than the traditional single leader scheme, allowing the music to benefit from the shared creative development and the concept of unity through diversity.
MINDTHEGAP Trio - Music made in Transylvania.
Ștefan ORMENIȘAN - piano, keyboards / Alex CIOATĂ - bass / Tamas ISZLAI - drums.
Ștefan’s journey with music began at the age of six when he first sat at the piano. Drawn to the energy of jazz and rock, he formed his first band at sixteen, later expanding his musical range as a pianist and guitarist in various projects. Though his career took him into the world of design and interior decor, music remained a constant presence, waiting for the right moment to take center stage once again.
In 2021, that moment has come. Fueled by the lifelong passion for jazz and sonic experimentation, Ștefan founded MINDTHEGAP Trio, bringing together vintage and modern synths alongside with classical piano and Rhodes keys to craft the band's distinct cinematic atmosphere and progressive music. His compositions blend texture and emotion, pushing boundaries while staying true to the raw essence of jazz.
A versatile talented artist with a deep-rooted passion for music and exploration, Alex balances his role as a violinist with the State Philharmonic in Târgu Mureș (Translvania) and his explorations in jazz, rock, and experimental music. He started at the age of 7 by learning the roots of music and the violin inspired by his family musical background. After graduating from the local musical school, he moved forward becoming a student at the University of Music in Cluj-Napoca, where he developed his skills for violin and chord based instruments. His journey through multiple musical landscapes led him to the bass guitar, where he discovered new expressive territories and a playground for improvisation.
With MINDTHEGAP Trio, Alex shapes intricate and fluid basslines and solos that bring depth and movement to the band’s evolving sound. He is also an active part of the composing side of the band, defining the rhythm section of the trio. Whether on stage or in the studio, his playing is driven by a keen ear for details and a continuous pursuit of sonic exploration.
With over 15 years of experience in live and studio performance, Tamas is a dynamic drummer whose versatility spans across jazz, rock, and beyond. He first picked up the drumsticks at the age of seven and honed his craft through formal training and relentless practice. After graduating from the local musical school, Tamas joined a jazz private school in Budapest (Hungary) where he learned for more than 2 years the secrets of drum and percussion in jazz music.
His career has taken him across the world as a touring drummer, performing in diverse settings that have shaped his rhythmic approach. He joined MINDTHEGAP Trio since the beginning, being an active part of the composing process. He brings an instinctive, textural presence to the music, building intricate layers of rhythm that are both driving and immersive. Tamas is also a session musician being invited to take part in different projects to play rock, jazz and classical music.
