When the pandemic hit, drummer Ruud Voesten spent the mandatory free time delving into one of the great literary works of the Middle Ages, Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. In this first part of The Divine Comedy, which is very critical of civilization and religion, Dante researches his own humanity, society and his position therein, by descending through the ten rings of hell and confronting the seven capital sins.

With Inferno as his guide and the lockdown as a catalyst, Ruud reviewed his own personal connection to the capital sins. Reflecting on themes such as lust, anger and betrayal brought him a wide range of associations, motives and emotions which he put to music. It is full of strong melodies and dark harmonies, contrasted with collective improvisations, depicting this journey through hell. A full record with the twelve compositions inspired by Inferno will be released in September 2023. Ruud Voesten made name with the bands ROEST and Branie. In Ambrosia we recognize other up-and-coming band leaders from Dutch jazz.

Mo van der Does alto sax, Wietse Voermans tenor sax, Koen Schalkwijk piano/synthesizer, Tijs Klaassen double bass, Ruud Voesten drums/compositions