This summer, the members of the Sunshine Cleaners have been putting the finishing touches on their fourth album, produced by Peter Slager (BLØF): 'Elementary Force,' which is entirely devoted to the diaries of Etty Hillesum, the Middelburg-born Jewish writer who was murdered in Auschwitz in 1943. The album will be released around the time of their concert in St. Jacob's Church, and the songs will naturally occupy an important place in the repertoire for that evening.
The trio from Zeeland consists of singer Jacqueline Heijmans, guitarist/vocalist Sjef Hermans and violinist/ud player/vocalist Wissem Ziadi. Sunshine Cleaners has now released three albums. 'Silent Voices' (inspired by the prison poems of Dietrich Bonhoeffer), 'Sad Songs For Us To Bear' (about ordinary people who are capable of extraordinary things under extraordinary circumstances) and 'Seven Acts Of Mercy' (on which the seven works of mercy are central).
Sunshine Cleaners' music is characterized by the mix of Western and North African influences of guitarist Hermans and violinist and lute player Ziadi, respectively. With their inventive interplay together, they create a colorful backdrop for Heijmans' beautiful vocals. Their previous albums received mostly positive reviews, including internationally. In 2022, the band was invited to play their song "Violins Of Hope" during the National Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Tickets: €17.50 to be ordered through this website
The music press about Sunshine Cleaners:
It is no small feat to package these atypical and certain weighty subjects into lighthearted, catchy, at times almost carefree-sounding songs. That is where Sunshine Cleaners have succeeded wonderfully. (Rootstime Belgium)
Vocals and instrumentation, as usual, are through the roof. A record to enjoy but also once to reflect on the contemporary moral state of yourself and humanity in general. (Music magazine Heaven - 4 stars)
The heartbreakingly beautiful violin part is provided by Wissem Ziadi. (Singer - Kees van den Berg)
Carrying force of Sunshine Cleaners is Jacqueline Heijmans, who with her velvety, clear voice takes care of the tribute on this album in an understated way. Beautiful melody lines, framed by subtle string playing, make sure you can't get enough of the nevertheless heavy subjects being addressed. (Pete van Die)
Sad Songs For Us To Bear is a rich and multifaceted album that tells stories of people with minimal means. Light music to sometimes heavy themes. Once again, it is daring. And once again successful. And hopeful (Martin Snaterse).
