Album review overview: CeCe Winans, Ruby Dawn and more
Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are too many to listen to, let alone review them. It ensures that too many albums are left behind. And that’s a shame. That is why today we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors in short reviews.
Ruby Dawn – Blood on Water
The English prog rock band Ruby Dawn recently released their second album, “Blood on Water.” The lyrics explore themes like corruption, love, war, and humanity’s place in the universe, referencing classical literature. Influences such as Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, and Massive Attack contribute to their varied style. This diversity is evident in the opening track, “Juliet,” which starts dreamily but transitions into rock dynamics. Each track features tempo, volume shifts, and intricate details, particularly in keyboards and drums. While the structure can sometimes feel predictable, it adds to the album’s accessibility. The guitar work is impressive, with deep bass grooves throughout, complemented by occasional classical elements. The layered sound is well-distributed in stereo, and even without understanding the lyrics, Carola Baer’s emotional vocals convey the intended feelings. Her voice remains well-balanced with the music, which also exudes emotion. (Esther Kessel-Tamerus) (8/10) (Independent Release)
Jan van Duikeren and Marcel Veenendaal – A Love Unveiled
Some albums quietly yet intensely beg for the intimacy of darkness. “A Love Unveiled,” a collaboration between trumpeter Jan van Duikeren and singer Marcel Veenendaal, is one such album. It shines best when the outside world is shut out, allowing the listener to immerse in the delicate interplay of skilled trumpet melodies and a voice that lifts the soul. The album showcases the musicians’ remarkable chemistry, making it feel almost too intimate for an audience. Veenendaal’s versatile voice, best known from DI-RECT, surprises with its depth and emotional range. The album features reimagined classics like “Bird Alone” (Abbey Lincoln and Stan Getz) and “My Autumn’s Done Come” (originally by Lee Hazlewood), alongside original compositions like “Sophie’s Soup.” Supported by some of the best Dutch jazz musicians—drummer John Engels, pianist Karel Boehlee, and bassist Aram Kersbergen—this album is a love letter to music itself. Enjoy it in silence and darkness. (Jeroen Mulder) (10/10) (Labeltje Labeltje)
CeCe Winans – Joyful, Joyful A Christmas Album
For those who wish to bypass the Christmas Station but still crave the joy of singing along to holiday classics, gospel singer CeCe Winans offers “Joyful, Joyful.” The album opens with a lively rendition of “Joy to the World,” set to a drum machine’s upbeat rhythm. It ticks all the boxes for holiday music clichés: bells, choirs, horns, and calls for peace. Classic songs are interspersed with new up-tempo material like “It’s Christmas,” which is surprisingly catchy. CeCe Winans’ exceptional voice elevates the album, providing the perfect soundtrack for cosying up under the Christmas tree with a glass of mulled wine. Though predictable, it will meet the expectations of those seeking holiday warmth and grandiose cheer. (Jeroen Mulder) (5/10) (Fairtrade Services)
Al Qasar – Un-Covered
With “Un-Covered,” Al Qasar proves that a cover album can be more than just reinterpretations. This international psychedelic collective transforms well-known and obscure songs into a cultural fusion where Maghreb, Mali, and the Middle East meet in a fiery dance of sound. Produced by Thomas Attar from Tunis to Los Angeles, the album creates a rich sonic landscape. Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus” is reborn with electric saz and Turkish vocals, while Sean Paul’s “Get Busy” undergoes an entrancing Arabic transformation. Collaborations with Malian masters Cheick Tidiane Seck and Mamani Keita on “Promises” merge Afrofuturist psychedelia with traditional Bambara singing. Featuring seven tracks—four covers and three originals—the album blends Western and Eastern musical traditions. With Grammy-winner Matt Hyde on mixing and Frank Merritt on mastering, it’s a respectful yet innovative project that redefines its source material. (Jan Vranken) (8/10) (WeWantSounds/Modulor)
Arild Andersen – Landloper
Between avant-garde jazz and contemporary classical music lies the rare masterpiece “Landloper,” the new solo album from Norwegian double bassist Arild Andersen. Like a northern tale, Andersen’s bass becomes the voice of an entire landscape, blending with subtle electronics to evoke the vast Norwegian fjords and polar nights. Each piece feels like a journey, where the lines between composition and improvisation blur into an organic whole. This is no background music; it demands full attention. Andersen’s mastery of his instrument creates an almost orchestral experience with just one bass. In a world full of distractions, “Landloper” offers a rare moment of reflection and depth, continuing the rich tradition of Norwegian avant-garde while sounding entirely contemporary. It is a meditative and healing work for those willing to listen. (Jan Vranken) (8/10) (ECM)
