Rotterdam based drummer, composer and programmer Ruud Voesten (1987)
picked up his drumsticks at 15 inspired by his favourite punkrock bands, but found
his homebase once introduced to jazz and improvisation.
After studying at the conservatories of Arnhem and Rotterdam, Ruud worked as a
sideman with KRACH, Rok Zalokar Trio and Fish Country. But soon the urge to
become a bandleader himself became too big. He released multiple records under
the name ROEST and branched out by organizing alternative jazz festival Branie.
2023 saw the release of Ruud’s new band and record ‘Ambrosia’ with a repertoire
inspired by the first part of the famous renaissance poem ‘The Divine Comedy’.
The compositions inspired by the capital sins like lust, greed and anger
encompasse a wide emotional range combined with fierce improvisation.
When Covid-19 hit in march 2020, bandleader and composer Ruud
Voesten took the mandatory free time to dive into one of the world’s most
famous literary works from the darkages: Dante Alighieri’s Inferno.
In this first part of the Divine Comedy, Dante researches his own humanity,
his society and his position therein by descending through the nine rings
of hell.
With Inferno as his guide and the lockdown as a catalyst, Ruud reviewed
his own personal connection to the capital sins. Reflecting on theme’s like
lust, anger and betrayal brought a wide range of connections, motives and
emotions which he put to music.
September 2023 saw the release of Ambrosia on ZenneZ Records, followed
by an extensive Dutch tour of twelve concerts visiting prestigious venues
such as Bimhuis, De Doelen, Theater Orpheus, and more.
Building on the success of their Inferno-inspired album, Ambrosia is now
set to release their highly anticipated follow-up record, based on the
second part of Dante’s Divine Comedy: Purgatorio. Scheduled for release
in late 2025, this new album promises to be a transcendent musical
journey through the seven terraces of Purgatory.
Ambrosia
The upcoming record showcases Ambrosia’s evolution as a band, blending
their signature contemporary jazz sound with elements of contemporary
classical and electronic music. Voesten’s compositions are marked by
complex rhythmic structures and harmonic progressions that embody
the climb through Purgatory. Each composition corresponds to one of the
seven deadly sins, mirroring the structure of Purgatorio. The music moves
from dark, introspective pieces representing pride and envy to more
uplifting, ethereal compositions symbolizing the ascent towards paradise.
The band’s improvisational prowess shines through in extended passages
that allow each musician to interpret the emotional landscape of Dante’s
poem.
