Ruby Hughes' latest album with Jonas Nordberg and Mime Yamahiro Brinkmann is a captivating tribute to the Elizabethan master John Dowland, whose 400-year-old legacy lives on in this enchanting recording. While not exclusively devoted to Dowland's music, the album takes its title from a song by Henry Purcell and features spellbinding arrangements of Britten's Corpus Christi Carol, demonstrating Hughes' remarkable ability to channel the melancholy spirit that defined Dowland's work.
Hughes' voice stands out as a crystalline gem, imbued with a natural quality that belies its refinement. Nordberg's lute work provides a subtle yet essential foundation, while Brinkmann's evocative viols weave in and out of the mix, creating an atmosphere redolent of misty Tudor afternoons.
One of Hughes' most impressive assets is her capacity to convey emotion through nuanced expression, imbuing each word with its own distinct coloration. Her rendition of Dowland's 'Flow, My Tears' – a poignant lament that conjures the three terrible emotions of fear, grief, and pain – showcases this skill. Yet, even as she brings an unmistakable intensity to her singing, there remains a sense of space around the sound, preventing it from feeling overly demonstrative or indulgent.
This balance is equally evident in the album's other musical offerings, ranging from Purcell to Dowland's contemporaries and three new compositions inspired by Shakespeare's sonnets. All share Hughes' commitment to clarity, precision, and expressiveness – qualities that make this recording feel both timeless and remarkably contemporary.
Overall, Amidst the Shades is a triumph of understated elegance, demonstrating Hughes' remarkable artistry in a way that feels at once deeply personal and universally relatable. This enchanting album serves as a powerful testament to Dowland's enduring influence and leaves listeners spellbound by its haunting beauty and delicate melancholy.
Hughes' voice stands out as a crystalline gem, imbued with a natural quality that belies its refinement. Nordberg's lute work provides a subtle yet essential foundation, while Brinkmann's evocative viols weave in and out of the mix, creating an atmosphere redolent of misty Tudor afternoons.
One of Hughes' most impressive assets is her capacity to convey emotion through nuanced expression, imbuing each word with its own distinct coloration. Her rendition of Dowland's 'Flow, My Tears' – a poignant lament that conjures the three terrible emotions of fear, grief, and pain – showcases this skill. Yet, even as she brings an unmistakable intensity to her singing, there remains a sense of space around the sound, preventing it from feeling overly demonstrative or indulgent.
This balance is equally evident in the album's other musical offerings, ranging from Purcell to Dowland's contemporaries and three new compositions inspired by Shakespeare's sonnets. All share Hughes' commitment to clarity, precision, and expressiveness – qualities that make this recording feel both timeless and remarkably contemporary.
Overall, Amidst the Shades is a triumph of understated elegance, demonstrating Hughes' remarkable artistry in a way that feels at once deeply personal and universally relatable. This enchanting album serves as a powerful testament to Dowland's enduring influence and leaves listeners spellbound by its haunting beauty and delicate melancholy.
Over 1 million views on YouTube in just one week! That's like, crazy fast growth for a classical music release 
. And if we look at the streaming stats, it's clear that Amidst the Shades is resonating with people all over the world 
. The US, UK, and Australia are leading the charge, with over 30% of streams coming from these regions 
. Meanwhile, on Spotify, the album has already racked up over 500k monthly listeners 
. Not bad for an album inspired by a 400-year-old composer! 
! I mean, who knew John Dowland's music could be so hauntingly beautiful? 
The way Hughes channels his melancholy spirit is pure magic 
. And that lute work by Nordberg and viols by Brinkmann? Absolutely mesmerizing 
. The fact that it's both timeless and contemporary at the same time is just mind-blowing 
I'm low-key obsessed with this new album by Ruby Hughes - it's like she took all the melancholy and drama of the Elizabethan era and bottled it up in her voice 
. And the arrangements? 
Perfectly balanced between subtle and spellbinding. I mean, who needs grand gestures when you can convey depth with just a few notes 
? This album is a masterclass in understated elegance - if you haven't listened to it yet, do yourself a favour 
like I'm stuck in a misty English garden in the 17th century 
. But what really gets me is how Hughes conveys emotion through her voice... it's so subtle, yet so powerful 
. I think this album is a masterclass in understated elegance, you know? 
Like, the arrangements are spot on and the melodies stick with you long after the song ends 
. Overall, I'm thoroughly enjoying Amidst the Shades and I think it's a must-listen for anyone who loves period music or just great singing in general 
. I also really love how the lute work in the background is so subtle but still makes everything sound magical 
. And can we talk about how this album takes you on a trip to the past? I felt like I was in the 16th century listening to it! 
Timeless and contemporary at the same time? Yes please! 
... btw, has anyone else noticed how mime yamahiro brinkmann's presence in the album feels like the icing on the cake?
I'm totally obsessed with this new album! Ruby Hughes' voice is like butter for my soul, so smooth and rich it gives me chills every time 
. What I love most is how she conveys emotion through her singing - it's like she's sharing a secret with you, and that's why this album feels so intimate and relatable 
. The balance between elegance and melancholy is just perfect... trust me when I say this one will stay on repeat for ages 
this new album by Ruby Hughes is EVERYTHING!!! I mean, can you feel the vibes of those misty Tudor afternoons? 
. I love how she conveys emotion through her singing, it's so raw and real. The way she channels John Dowland's spirit is pure magic 
!
Ruby Hughes' voice is insane, like a dream 
I'm obsessed with the arrangement of Britten's Corpus Christi Carol 
I'm so obsessed with Ruby Hughes' latest album! She has this incredible ability to convey emotion through her voice, it's like you can feel the sadness and longing in every note 
. What I love most about this album is how it feels both timeless and modern at the same time - it's like she's tapping into something universal and relatable 
the arrangements are so clever and evocative, I'm totally transported to misty Tudor afternoons 
i love how she doesn't overdo it on the emotions either, it's like she's speaking straight to you without needing to shout 
. The arrangements of Britten's Corpus Christi Carol are also genius, I've had them stuck in my head for days 
. And can we talk about Mime Yamahiro Brinkmann's viols? They're like the icing on the cake 
. The way Ruby conveys emotion in her singing is super impressive, I mean, 'Flow, My Tears' gives me chills every time 
.
. It's like she's tapping into a timeless vibe, but still feeling super modern and relatable.
️ – subtle yet essential. Nordberg and Brinkmann bring the perfect balance to the table 
. What I love most, though, is how Hughes' voice stands out without being too overpowering 
. It's like she's whispering sweet nothings in your ear 
. The way she conveys emotion through her singing is truly remarkable 
. And those Shakespearean sonnet-inspired tracks? Genius!