The “Samtmann” is back and presents us with his eighth solo album.

A lot has happened with Ralph Maten: a new podcast (talk in the recording studio), a new live format on YouTube, and in the midst of the 2020 pandemic, he fulfilled a lifelong dream.

Ralph Maten says: "When I was a child, my grandmother sang along to Sinatra's songs—and I loved listening. Now I'm old myself, but I still have it in my ears and in my heart all the time.

It was clear to me that I absolutely wanted to record a complete jazz album – with my voice! Without modulating my voice to sound like Sinatra. There are already plenty of recordings of that, including with the fantastic Lothar Krist Big Band from NDR. I wanted the album to sound like "Samtmann." Harmonious and very intimate. I worked a lot with tube preamplification and tape saturation during production, to capture a bit of the '50s sound I love so much. In the midst of the pandemic, I worked on this album for almost a year—doing almost everything myself. Arranging the tracks, recording vocals, playing instruments. Produced, mixed, mastered, and even designed all the artwork myself." You can't get more Ralph Maten than this.

The single "Misty" has climbed high on streaming platforms in just a few days. The atmospheric music video was filmed at Prince Alexander zu Schaumburg-Lippe's castle in Bückeburg. More information at: www.YouTube.com/RalphMaten

Time to enjoy!

Ralph Maten's gentle, bell-like voice is sung by his grand piano. Added to this are string arrangements, double bass, a soft jazz guitar with saxophone, and subtle percussion. That's all it needs. Best enjoyed in front of the fireplace with a glass of red wine!

Text: F. Karsten / Amp-Media