Jacques Kuba Séguin - Parfum no. 2 (2024)

The Trilogie des odeurs (Trilogy of Odors) by trumpeter and composer Jacques Kuba-Séguin continues with Parfum no 2 (Perfume vol 2), a work of a scope and majesty that the first volume, released in 2023, did not suggest (read my review HERE, in French). At the risk of repeating myself, the Quebec artist’s approach is not to describe smells in music. Even if that were possible, it probably wouldn’t be interesting. Rather, it’s about smells linked to memories and impressions, and it’s these reminiscences, combined with emotions, that form the basis of Kuba-Séguin’s compositions. Volume 1 focused on early childhood, while this second opus takes a more energetic, youthful look at young adulthood, open to the future and its infinite possibilities.

Parfum no 2 is written for a large old-school ensemble, tinged with Evansian chromatic modernity but also with elegant swing. We sometimes flirt with colors reminiscent of Oliver Nelson. But don’t let the terms “chromatic” and “modernity” mislead you: there’s little in the way of grinding or sour atmospheres here. Light, lots of light. It’s ironic to talk about luminosity when describing an album devoted to the synchronicity between music and smells, but as long as we’re diving into synesthesia, let’s go all the way!

Tracklist:
1.01 - Jacques Kuba Séguin, Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal - La danse du hasard et des dangers (9:49)
1.02 - Jacques Kuba Séguin, Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal - 26 printemps (9:15)
1.03 - Jacques Kuba Séguin, Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal - Paysage pour Muniak (11:03)
1.04 - Jacques Kuba Séguin, Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal - 40 Is The New 30 (7:32)
1.05 - Jacques Kuba Séguin, Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal - Gratitude (8:39)