When a Debut is Only on Paper – setting a Standard of Professionalism
A Review of Rūta Dūduma’s First Solo Album «Pajums» (Shelter)
When a musician who has been well-known for years releases an album and announces it as a «debut,» you have to check the internet archives and ask yourself: I don’t believe it, it can’t be, really?! In the case of the famous singer Rūta Dūduma, that is precisely the situation — yes, indeed, the album «Pajums» is her debut solo work.
Rūta Dūduma hardly needs an introduction. She has been on the big stage since she was a teenager (and alongside it, with her mother Ira, since childhood). Whether as one of the most sought-after backing vocalists or as a solo artist, she has appeared in Eurovision national selections and beyond. However, by profession and at her core, Rūta is a jazz performer. For those who need the official CV: she is a versatile vocal artist with a master’s degree in jazz from the Latvian Academy of Music, a member of the vocal group Framest, and a performer with the ensemble Vintāža. She took 3rd place at Riga Jazz Stage in 2018 and has performed with Maestro Raimonds Pauls, Intars Busulis, Dināra Rudāne, and many others.
The Soul of the Album
The album comprises eight substantial, meticulously crafted compositions by Jānis Ķirsis — Rūta’s husband. Rūta reflects: «The first album, much like a firstborn, is an inscrutable journey into the big world.» Pajums tells the story of a woman’s multifaceted nature, her inner world, and her perception of her surroundings. The lyrics — drawn from poets like Velta Kaltiņa, Fricis Bārda, Inga Pizāne, Imants Ziedonis, and others — explore spiritual anchors: love, care, fear, doubt, anger, and hope. The music serves as a search for eternal light and the strength of a woman as a mother and a patriot.
Standout Moments
Jānis Ķirsis’s compositional handwriting is evident, and Rūta’s voice is instantly recognizable even without looking at the sleeve. However, there are surprises:
«Un pret savas tautas dziesmu»: a fantastically epic, powerful, and monumental composition. It is truly something to behold; any complimentary epithet fits here.
«Skārienjūtīgs»: a track overflowing with improvisation.
«Nāc sapnī» & «Šķiltin šķīla valodiņas»: Suggestive tracks with ethnic touches that highlight the mastery of the instrumentalists, particularly the double bassist.
The vocal demonstrations are praiseworthy, and the skill of Ķirsis on the keys is impressive. The playfulness with folk heritage is particularly admirable.
The Critique
Every work has its «minus» points:
Jazz Elitism: the album offers a level of complexity that may not be «digestible» for everyone. The six-minute title track, «Pajums», is an ultra-complex piece that is difficult to listen to from start to finish.
Excessive Vocalizing: Rūta uses vocalises extensively to showcase her range, but at times — as in «Nāc sapnī» — the dosage feels too high, bordering on distracting.
Emotional Weight: the mood and lyrics create a broad emotional spectrum that can sometimes feel anxious or mournful, which might not suit every listener’s palate.
While the program would be best suited for an intimate, elite jazz club, the sheer number of musicians required — including a rhythm section and the Sinfonietta Rīga string quartet — makes such a setting financially improbable.
Final Verdict
Despite the critiques, the album is excellent and well worth a listen. The lineup involved is a «who’s who» of Latvian jazz: Rihards Goba (guitar), Jānis Rubiks (double bass), Dāvis Jurka (winds), and Rūdolfs Dankfelds (drums).
Rūta Dūduma remains the «first violin» of the record — her professionalism and vocal power are staggering. It’s almost a shame her heart belongs to jazz; with a voice like that, she could «move mountains» in rock music. Fortunately, she remains active in other projects, from Eurovision’s Supernova to leading a choir in the TV show «Koru kari». She has the quality and strength to succeed in any style she chooses.