Some albums entertain, and others hold meaning, and "Steinway Sessions (Special Edition)" by Ruut definitely belongs to the latter. This album is like an emotional journey, featuring simple yet powerful piano and vocal pieces that feel like a warm embrace from the past. With just eight tracks, packed into a touching 28 minutes and 48 seconds, this special edition revisits songs Ruut wrote in 2010, now presented with a newfound confidence shaped by her life experiences.
Recorded in a Steinway workshop during an important period of her life, "Steinway Sessions" captures Ruut at a pivotal moment as she explores her art, identity, and the challenges of becoming a mother. She was guided by mentors who believed in her talent even before she recognized it herself, and this support shines through in her music, which is filled with genuine emotion. Returning to them feels like coming home to the piano, Ruut says, and that feeling of returning home is felt in every note.
What makes this album special is its simplicity. There are no complicated sounds or flashy production, just Ruut's voice and the piano, creating a beautiful, intimate conversation. Listening to it feels almost sacred, as if you're being invited into her personal moments of reflection.
One of the standout tracks, "Life Is Beautiful," fills you with a quiet sense of hope, with heartfelt lyrics and a melody that stays in your mind long after it ends. Another song, "From 8 to 9," captures a brief, picturesque moment in time, with a gentle flow that echoes the small changes in everyday life. Then there's "House Of Fire," the emotional heart of the album, which reveals deep feelings with a soft intensity that showcases Ruut's talent to express powerful emotions without shouting.
Throughout all eight songs, there's a strong sense of connection, not just musically but also emotionally. These songs have grown with Ruut, sharing her journey and experiences, which adds a rich depth to the album that feels genuine.
"Steinway Sessions" isn't just a look back at the past, it's a way for Ruut to reclaim her story. By stripping the music down to its core, she reminds us why we love music in the first place, for its honesty, openness, and the bravery it takes to express oneself truly.