Music wise Ron\'s upcoming album we be in the veins of his previous cds: instrumental tracks with supportive vocals (no lyrics). Ron:

\"It won\'t be strictly a drum album, although all compositions focus on rhythmics. It\'s a bit inspired by keyboardists like Joe Zawinul, Jim Beard en Scott Kinsey\"

At the moment Ron is halfway recording. He takes care of the whole process, including mixing. Only mastering will be done by someone else. Says Ron:

\"The last couple of years I have invested a lot in studio equipment and I\'ve played and recorded several productions for others, so why not for me?\"

The line-up of participating guest musicians so far is as follows:

• Roman Korolik - bass
  
• Wilbert Kivits - keys and compositions
  
• Mike Roelofs - keys
  
• Berland Rours - guitar
  
• Frank Peeters - guitar
  
• Peter Hermesdorf - saxes
  
• Sam Vloeman - trumpet
  
• Nadine Nix - vocals

Ron van Stratum provides all drums, percussion, added keys, compositions and sounddesign.

In related news: Ron van Stratum will perform a Zawinul tribute concert at Dutch festival JazzMaastricht on March 16, 2008, along with Iranian percussionist Afra Mussawisade.

Other artists performing on JazzMaastricht include Yellow Jackets, Toots Thielemans and Diane Schuur. More info on www.jazzmaastricht.com.