Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Cine Qua Non: Cine Qua Non

8

Cine Qua Non: Cine Qua Non

By

Sign in to view read count
Cine Qua Non: Cine Qua Non
Sine qua non is a Latin term meaning something absolutely needed, or essential. This Portuguese quartet is exactly that in terms of bringing melody and accessibility back to the fore in European jazz. However, their name is mis-spelt because accordionist Joao Paulo Esteves da Silva says their music "alludes to the cinema."

With his instrument lending a very French, nostalgic feel to the proceedings, the movie seems to be set in Paris. Jean Gabin and Michele Morgan play ill-starred lovers and Morgan wears a white raincoat just like the one she wore in Quai des Brumes back in 1938.

That said, the title of the opening number, "Encontros Nao Imediatos (Not So Close Encounters)," does have a definite sci-fi ring to it. A case of Chaqu'un à son movie , or as da Silva puts it, "Each listener free to imagine his or her film."

Cine Qua Non have taken flak in their homeland for producing what one po-faced critic has called "a light music... lacking melodic personality." This is to miss the point for, within what he castigates as the "very comfortable and predictable melodies," some great things are happening, largely thanks to pianist Paula Sousa.

In 2002 this immensely talented woman, classically trained, heeded the call of jazz and sold her house in Porto to take a course at Boston's Berklee College of Music, graduating in 2004, around the time of her 50th birthday. She can't understand friends of a similar age who tell her they are looking forward to retirement. "I want to play until the end of my days," she says.

She produces great solos in the aforementioned " Encontros Nao Imediatos" and the number that follows it, "As Nuvens Passam (The Clouds Go By)," which was penned by bassist Mario Franco.

"Este Choro É Meu Pranto" is a Brazilian song by Claudionor Cruz, who died in 1995. Choro means "cry" or "lament" but—typical of the genre—the number is fast and happy.

Similarly, guitarist Afonso Pais' "Dos Ultimos Dias (The Last Days)," while less up-tempo than its predecessor, is by no means as doomy as its title implies and da Silva's " Certeza (Certainty)," is a rollicking tribute to optimism and a timely, closing reminder that modern music doesn't have to be hard to listen to and academically experimental to be good.

Track Listing

Encontros Imediatos; As Nuvems Passam; Este Choro É Meu Pronto; Dos Ultimos Dias; Certeza.

Personnel

Paula Sousa: piano; Joao Paulo Esteves da Silva: accordion; Afonso Pais: guitar; Mario Franco: bass.

Album information

Title: Cine Qua Non | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Tone of a Pitch Music

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.