Maestro Renio Quintas received his degree in composition and conducting
from the University of Brasília's prestigious
school of music. He was the founding member of Brasília's instrumental
groups Artimanha and Naipe and has written several soundtracks for
the theatre and movies. In addition to that, besides taking part
in several jazz festivals both in Brazil and abroad, Quintas has
worked with a wide range
of Brazilian artists, such as rock star Cássia Eller and jazz giants
Adriano Giffoni and Jorge Helder. More recently, he has been the
musical director for Célia Porto.
The diversity of music in As Canções goes
beyond the various musical styles listeners can hear. With some live
tracks and others recorded in the studio, the album includes jazz,
bossa nova and even salsa. For eight tracks of this work, the basic
group formation is Quintas (piano and keyboards)
along with Ademar Boka (drums), André Vasconcelos (bass),
Paulo Magno (flute and soprano sax) and Célia Porto (voice).
The choice to open the album with the live "Antigamente" was
very appropriate. From the introductory trio formation -- piano,
bass and drums -- the music grows by leaps and bounds both in tempo
and instrumentation. Both Quintas's and Boka's solos are breathtaking
in this track. Jazz fans should enjoy the way Quintas stirs
things up really nicely for the rest of the album. After two jazz-flavored
tracks, Quintas delves into a swingy bossa nova. For some people,
"Bossa Doce" will clearly remind them of Zimbo Trio. The tempo
and solos are great. Slowing things down a bit, the piano introduction
in "O Guarda-Linhas" sets the mood for Porto's haunting vocalise.
One other interesting piece is "Encontro com Rama." From an Hermeto
Pascoal-ish experimental beginning, the song evolves into a lively
number with Magno's flute solo adding a xote flavor.
As part of the variety in As Canções, two
other different group formations are present in the recording. The
first is Group Naipe, featured in one track, "Rafael." In addition
to Quintas, Magno and Porto, Fernando Corbal (acoustic guitar),
Sidnei Sheikor (bass) and José Ernesto (drums) complete Group
Naipe. The other formation is Célia Porto and Band. Porto's band features
Quintas (keyboards), Erivelton Silva (drums), Samuel Silva (bass),
Roberto Ricardo (acoustic guitar) and Pachá Galina (cello). Together
they perform the title track. In closing the album, Quintas and Porto
are joined by Cláudio Vinícius on a 10-string viola in the prophetic
"Segredos Cegos."
To hear samples of Renio Quintas's music, please visit his home
page.