Michiel Stekelenburg Catharsis Pol Van Hulten Ridderbeekx Thomas Schilderink - CR73570 - Jazz

As a grown man looking back on my life, I’ve come to realize that I’ve always unconsciously struggled with a deep sensitivity. There were moments when I experienced the world around me so intensely, yet simultaneously felt unable to express it. It seemed as if I were trapped in the eye of my inner storm. Driven by the urgent need to express these suppressed feelings and emotions bubbling deep within, my music finds its origin. I found a way to embrace the complexity of my inner world while sharing it with the outer world. In the midst of my musical journey, an intriguing question emerged: How can I embrace my sensitivity and emotional depth while remaining true to my masculine identity? This question, in a society that often still adheres to traditional norms of masculinity, poses a challenging and necessary exploration. This album is more than just a collection of pieces; it is a journey through my soul, a quest for balance between my inner world and the expectations of the outer world. I invite you to join me in exploring the boundaries of emotion and identity together. May this musical journey not only resonate with you but also awaken your own sensitivity. (Michiel Stekelenburg)