Lorenzo Di Maio is undeniably one of the most sought-after guitarists on the Belgian scene. He can be found in many jazz bands (Antoine Pierre, Jean-Paul Estiévenart, Christel Wautier, Fabrice Alleman, …) but also in pop, electro and chanson (to name a few, the singer Elia Rose, Next.Ape or Greg Houben – a Belgian in Rio).
After two first albums under his name on Igloo (“Black Rainbow” in 2016 and “Arco” in 2021), his new quartet brings together the cream of the new jazz scene: Wajdi Riahi on piano and Rhodes, Cédric Raymond (already present on his first release) on Prophet and Moog and Pierre Hurty on drums. With this line-up of unusual instrumentation, a new Lorenzo Di Maio is emerging, one that goes off the beaten track.
The guitarist, who wrote the 10 compositions, draws his inspiration from Aaron Parks, Ben Wendel, Brad Mehldau, Gilad Hekselman and Moricone’s film scores, without offering a similar music.
Ruby drops us into a singular soundscape where electronic layers mingle with the clarity and brilliance of the acoustic piano, where the warmth of analogue synths envelops the guitar playing that is sometimes clear, sometimes saturated. Melody lies at the core of this album which alternates between obvious, simple and spontaneous passages are more complex, tightly written moments.

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