We featured Ruud Voesten’s ‘Clickbait Merchants’ just earlier this year. Describing it as “a fantastic bebop record, a wonderful and majestic composition”, we proudly dived into what sounded like Jazz heaven. Now, the Dutch musician returns with his ensemble, presenting an album that amplifies and builds on the same themes. Titled ‘Ambrosia’, the record is based on the first part of The Divine Comedy, taking listeners on a journey through the ten rings of hell as Dante confronts the sins and sinners he finds along the way.
In it, the keen jazz lover will rejoice in the amount of musicianship and passionate artistic research put on display. First of all, it’s high-quality bebop, played at immaculate standards. The stunning lineup includes: Mo van der Does – alto saxophone, Wietse Voermans – tenor saxophone, Koen Schalkwijk – grand piano, Tijs Klaassen – double bass, and our hero Ruud Voesten, rocking the drums and composing what feels like a true jazz opera, both in its wide references and varied rhythms.
Speaking about the album, Voesten explains: “Here’s my full album with music composed to Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. Inspired by themes like lust, anger and violence I wrote a musical journey through hell.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Ambrosia’ on Spotify:
