Ruud Voesten’s upcoming album Ambrosia II is a mesmerizing continuation of his musical journey through Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. Where Ambrosia delved into the fiery chaos of Inferno, its sequel shifts toward the haunting serenity and emotional complexity of Purgatorio. The Dutch drummer and composer channels classical depth, modern jazz sensibilities, and chamber-like precision into a cohesive and deeply evocative experience.
The record’s latest single, “Raw Beans,” captures the essence of torment and restraint found in Dante’s terrace of Gluttony — a place where souls ache with hunger and thirst as abundance surrounds them just out of reach. Voesten translates this cruel paradox into a minimal yet stirring duet for clarinet and piano. The interplay between the two instruments feels like a dialogue between temptation and discipline — each note reaching forward, only to be pulled back into silence. It’s haunting, intimate, and painfully beautiful. Elsewhere on the album, pieces like “Celestial Climb” and “Echoes of Virtue” embody the purifying ascent of Purgatorio. The percussion feels deliberate, almost meditative, while the melodic lines of wind and strings mirror the gradual shedding of sin. Voesten’s use of space is particularly striking; moments of quiet tension are as expressive as the most intricate passages.
Composed during his stay at Il Palmerino in Florence — the same grounds Dante once walked — Ambrosia II carries a deep spiritual resonance. It’s not merely a record; it’s an exploration of the human condition through sound. Set to release November 7th via ZenneZ Records, this project cements Ruud Voesten as one of the most thoughtful and daring composers in contemporary jazz.
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