Ralph Maten - Colours (2020)

With his 7th solo album, Ralph Maten once again proves that he is not nicknamed "The Velvet Man" for nothing. He worked on "Colours" for one year: writing songs, writing lyrics, collecting ideas. Everything was recorded, sung himself and also produced in his own studio. His own compositions flow calmly and slightly jazzy into the mixer and drip like balm in your ears. 10 of the 15 titles are 100% from his own pen. But Maten also left its own mark on the cover versions, such as "Streets of London" or "Wonderful Life". He juggles between pop, rock, jazz, blues and reggae. Still his trademark is and remains: voice and piano. The title "You’re Under My Skin", a tribute to Frank Sinatra, would have driven "Old Blue-Eyes" to tears. Just as with his last studio album "Cheers For Tears" (2018), Ralph Maten also created a beautiful duet with "Let Me Down Easy" for "Colors" this time with his daughter Lea-Tamara Maten (15 years). Maten is in top form and the three instrumentals also blend in seamlessly and reflect the melancholy mood of the album. Here Maten has committed himself to Nils Frahm. And on his last visit to a small jazz club, he was ashamed of a drunk business man who loved music less than "seeing and being seen". Maten then created the work "The Grasshopper In The Jazz Club".
All in all a worth listening, harmonious disc, which is best enjoyed in front of the fireplace with a glass of red wine!
Mastering: Ossy Pfeiffer (FRIDA PARK)