Catharsis Michiel Stekelenburg

• 1As One05:02
• 2Heartwork08:23
• 3Catharsis06:02
• 4Flow05:24
• 5Tempest04:24
• 6Morning Song06:57
• 7Chasing Shadows05:42
• 8Renewal08:19
• 9Flow Reprise01:22
• Total Runtime51:35

Info for Catharsis

As a grown man looking back on my life, I’ve come to realize that I’ve always unconsciously struggled with a deep sensitivity. There were moments when I experienced the world around me so intensely, yet simultaneously felt unable to express it. It seemed as if I were trapped in the eye of my inner storm. Driven by the urgent need to express these suppressed feelings and emotions bubbling deep within, my music finds its origin. I found a way to embrace the complexity of my inner world while sharing it with the outer world.

In the midst of my musical journey, an intriguing question emerged: How can I embrace my sensitivity and emotional depth while remaining true to my masculine identity? This question, in a society that often still adheres to traditional norms of masculinity, poses a challenging and necessary exploration .

This album is more than just a collection of pieces; it is a journey through my soul, a quest for balance between my inner world and the expectations of the outer world. I invite you to join me in exploring the boundaries of emotion and identity together. May this musical journey not only resonate with you but also awaken your own sensitivity. (Michiel Stekelenburg)

"Catharsis contains so many different elements that convey all those emotions. All pieces have a title that refers to catharsis. It's about my inner world, about what I have and have not put out. Morning Song for example is playful and cheerful, Renewal is an old piece rechristened into something new. Then it is about mentality that has also been renewed. The emotional side can also be vulnerable. That old facet still lives in me and is blossoming again here. - Michiel Stekelenburg" (Jazznu.com)

Michiel Stekelenburg, guitar
Thomas Pol, double bass
Jasper van Hulten, drums
Jesse Schilderink, saxophone
Tom Ridderbeekx, trumpet
Sam Thomas, trombone
Sjoerd van Eijck, piano

Michiel Stekelenburg
Originally from Bossche, the guitarist and composer Michiel Stekelenburg is no stranger to the modern jazz scene. In 2011, he released his critically acclaimed debut Hypnos, which was surpassed a few years later by Layers, an album that even entered at number 1 on the iTunes Jazz list.

Besides its warm sound, Stekelenburg's compositions stand out in particular. Trade magazine Gitarist compliments him by writing about 'Listenable, well thought-out pieces that are pleasant to the ear and would not be out of place on an album by Michael Brecker,' and the influential American All About Jazz says: 'An excellent, varied set of contemporary jazz. Stekelenburg shines as composer and guitarist, and his fine band never fails to deliver. We look forward to hearing more from them.'

Now Stekelenburg introduces his new seven-member band Catharsis. The group consists of seven musicians, each exploring the boundaries of thought and musical expression. From a broad musical spectrum, jazz, rock, indie and modern composed music are merged, with the modern arranged three-part wind section playing an essential role in the overall sound. Expect fiery improvised solos supported by ethereal textures and dynamic compositions. On the other hand, the septet does not shy away from a hefty dose of raw energy!

This album contains no booklet.