Ruud Voesten's Ambrosia

Drummer and composer Ruud Voesten presents his quintet Ambrosia, a programme that weaves together jazz, contemporary classical and electronic music. The compositions are marked by rhythmic layering, lyrical melodies and an interplay between collective playing and solistic improvisation.

The album Ambrosia II, released last year, draws inspiration from Dante's Divine Comedy, just like the debut. The music ranges from dark, introspective pieces - embodying sins like pride and envy - to lighter, ethereal compositions expressing the ascent to paradise. Each musician has space to interpret the emotional landscape of Dante's poem in their own way.

Jazzenzo wrote about the band: 'Mo van der Does on alto saxophone and Wietse Voermans on tenor saxophone form a frontline that emphasizes intention, colour and emotionality. Their sound is warm, searching, sometimes growling, sometimes whispering, exactly as Dante's inner struggle demands musically. Tijs Klaassen's double bass sound provides both depth and flexibility to the whole, and Koen Schalkwijk on piano and synth adds a palette of both clarity and mystery.'

Line-up: Mo van der Does (alto saxophone), Wietse Voermans (tenor saxophone), Koen Schalkwijk (piano/synth), Tijs Klaassen (double bass), Ruud Voesten (drums).