Rosa Ensemble - 2025 - Oddments

(46:15; Cuneiform)






















Apparently, Rosa Ensemble were formed in Utrecht back in 1997, originally playing contemporary classical music, but they have since expanded their repertoire to include musicians from different backgrounds and also work with actors, opera singers and other creatives.  They have been involved in more than 30 major productions and projects, releasing a dozen albums, but this is the first time they have been involved with Cuneiform. John Dikeman (soprano, tenor and bass saxophone) is an American saxophonist currently residing in Amsterdam, Peter Jessen (double bass) can be heard playing (and often singing) on nearly every Rosa Ensemble’s production of the last 15 years, Koen Kaptijn (trombone) is recognised as master of the instrument in Holland,  Jeroen Kimman (electric guitar and 19tet baritone guitar) is one of the three composers and Mei Yi Lee (percussion) has more than 15 years’ experience collaborating in different fields of arts such as music theatre, dance, contemporary music and multimedia art. The other two composers involved with this album are Floris van Bergeijk and Wilbert Bulsink, and alongside Kimman they have created music which is RIO, Avant Garde, jazz, modern classical and more, truly taking music in very different directions.

There are pieces which often feel improvised, but given the arrangements it must be scored, yet it is quite unlike much which I normally come across. It is weird, strange, basically indescribable, always with plenty of space and passion. There is no true path to follow, as Mei is a true percussionist who is at home on xylophone as on drums, and we can be moving in a way which feels like oriental Country & Western or being taken on an ambient journey which is incredibly unsettling. Everyone is prepared to take a step back, or forward as the need arises, and there is the feeling that this is a true ensemble as opposed to a band with a recognised leader. I can imagine Zappa getting a kick out of this as it feels as if these guys are in a similar wavelength, just a lot more “out there”. As with many releases on Cuneiform this is not for the fainthearted, but I truly hope their relationship continues as I look forward to hearing more. 

Kev Rowland, October 2025

Links:
https://rosaensemble.nl/
http://www.cuneiformrecords.com/

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