Rubatong by Han Buhrs, Tatiana Koleva, René van Barneveld, Luc Ex

Han Buhrs – vocals
Tatiana Koleva – vibes / percussion
René van Barnveld – guitar
Luc Ex – acoustic bass

CD & 7"
Music of Rubatong could be best defined as 'Comtemporary Blueus'
Irregular songs, fueled by touches of improv and the contemporary. Reinforced here is the urge to develop a next generation of provocative rhythm and mood.

Founded in 2006, Rubatong has since played numerous club- and festivalgigs throughout Europe. Mainly touring in the jazz and improvised music circuit, the quartet was often announced as ‘the almost rockband’. It has nevertheless preserved its freedom to explore every musical option regardless of its stylistic laws and preoccupations.

“…good heavens, what a lovely band (…) the musicians play their socks off in a way that is blood-red and raw like a rare T-bone steak…”
Tim Sprangers, De Volkskrant (national daily), 21 October 2011

“Every single song amounts to a raw and gritty statement”
Hester Carvalho, NRC-Next (national daily), 20 December 2011

“…an unexpected combination, which pleasantly affects the emotions of receptive listeners. An adventurous album, with neatly embedded improvisations and surrealist songs.”
Jacob Haagsma, Oor (national music magazine), Dec-Jan 2011/12

“…Rubatong's sound is sober and heavy, as smooth as it is raw (…). There is some interesting minimalism. The music can sound spacious and relaxed yet it is always on edge, rendered with the utmost urgency…The format draws from rich sources and absorbs various echoes but it never descends into cliche.”
Henning Bolte, Heaven and Jazzthetik (Germany), December 2011

“…Finally, (…) a Rubatong CD. Something to be grateful for. The eponymous album contains a fascinating collection of topsy-turvy songs that provide original insights into the world (of music) …”
Herman te Loo, Jazzflits 9, December 2011

“…What ties them together is the urge to create free and unconventional music … Rubatong's oeuvre is very eclectic … a jumble of ideas and styles. And all that jazz? I believe it is jazz.”
Jan Jasper Tamboer, Jazzenzo, 18 December 2011

“…It turns out to be a lovely smouldering, grating, memorable, pounding, modest but also harsh and above all well-oiled machinery (…) a breath of fresh air, considering what else is on offer. (…) not to mention that it sounds great...”
Jan Willem Broek, Caleidoscoop, November 2011

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