New music from Ruud Voesten

In Rotterdam resides a musician whose creative journey has taken him to the very depths of human emotion and societal critique. When the world was plunged into uncertainty by the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, Ruud Voesten saw an opportunity. With time on his side, he dived into one of the most famous literary works from the Dark Ages: Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. Inspired by Dante’s journey through the inferno and spurred on by the lockdown’s reflective atmosphere, Ruud Voesten set out on his own exploration of the capital sins. He examined themes like lust, anger and betrayal, unearthing a wealth of connections, motives and emotions, all of which he masterfully translated into music.

Ruud Voesten’s musical odyssey began with his debut single, “Clickbait Merchants,” released in April, followed by his sophomore single, “Goesting,” in June. Now, he presents his third single, “The Crypto Shuffle,” a mesmerising jazz composition that invites listeners on an avant-garde journey.

Composed by Ruud Voesten, who also delivers a captivating drum performance, “The Crypto Shuffle” features a stellar ensemble of musicians. Tijs Klaassen on double bass, Koen Schalkwijk on piano, Mo van der Does on alto saxophone and Wietse Voermans on tenor saxophone join Voesten in this musical expedition. The single was recorded and mixed by Micha de Kanter, with mastering by Wessel Oltheten at the Fattoria Musica studio.

“The Crypto Shuffle” thematically covers the sin of greed, an idea that resonates deeply with the contemporary world. In this musical exploration, sinners call each other out for their excessive spending or extreme frugality. Ruud Voesten connects this theme to the cryptocurrency frenzy that has swept the globe in recent years; a world of get-rich-quick schemes, easy money, greed, fraud and ultimately, disappointment.

The track itself is a masterpiece of experimental jazz. It weaves a complex tapestry of shifting rhythms, intricate instrumental performances, and intense melodic ideas. Each musician brings their unique flair to the composition, creating an ever-evolving sonic landscape that challenges and rewards the listener in equal measure.

This single is a superb showcase of his talent as a composer and a musician and serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the modern world’s obsessions and pitfalls, serving as a sonic mirror, reflecting our collective desires and delusions. Ruud Voesten’s musical journey is an invitation to confront the complexities of human nature and, just like Dante, navigate the treacherous terrain of our own modern inferno.

Listen to The Crypto Shuffle below

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