Country : Québec Label : Odd Sound Genres and styles : Jazz Year : 2024

Jacques Kuba-Séguin – Parfum no 2

· by Frédéric Cardin

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!

Interview with Jacques Kuba-Seguin (in French)

Parfum no 2 is expansive and positive, with sumptuous flights of fancy in a grandiose, sun-drenched panorama. Here and there, the harmonies become more complex, but the concept of youth and overflowing life, even optimism, remains intact. 

The Orchestre national de jazz de Montréal (ONJM) is splendid, radiating sonic warmth and overflowing with rich, full-bodied aromas, sometimes penetrating, above all floral and volatile. It’s luminous, it’s comfortable but not too soft, it’s constructive and stimulating. 

Friend Kuba is in fine form in his contributions, as are his usual pals Jean-Michel Pilc (piano), Rémi-Jean Leblanc (double bass) and Kevin Warren (drums).

We’re guessing that the third installment will be devoted to old age, and that this will call for a more frugal line-up. So take full advantage of the sonic scope of this suite in five beautifully written movements.

Latest 360 Content

FIJM | Brandon Woody’s Upendo: Baltimore Represents !

FIJM | Brandon Woody’s Upendo: Baltimore Represents !

ALICE on Her X

ALICE on Her X

FIJM  | Samara Joy: Pushing Classic Vocal Jazz Repertoire to its Limits

FIJM | Samara Joy: Pushing Classic Vocal Jazz Repertoire to its Limits

FIJM | Nas symphonic and Nas not symphonic

FIJM | Nas symphonic and Nas not symphonic

Suoni | The Jellicle KIKI Ball #2 – Feline Grace is Served

Suoni | The Jellicle KIKI Ball #2 – Feline Grace is Served

Suoni | The Dark, Wicked, Warm and Absurd on the Same Dish

Suoni | The Dark, Wicked, Warm and Absurd on the Same Dish

FIJM | Azimuth: Brazilian Jazz Fusion of the Highest Order

FIJM | Azimuth: Brazilian Jazz Fusion of the Highest Order

FIJM | Anomalie and Lewis: Two hour Jam by Two Heavy Hitters

FIJM | Anomalie and Lewis: Two hour Jam by Two Heavy Hitters

FIJM | Thanya Iyer and Arooj Aftab, Perfect Transplants!

FIJM | Thanya Iyer and Arooj Aftab, Perfect Transplants!

Festival de Lanaudière | Renaud Loranger Explains The Program

Festival de Lanaudière | Renaud Loranger Explains The Program

FIJM | Kojo Melché Roney, Born to Drum

FIJM | Kojo Melché Roney, Born to Drum

FIJM 2025 | King Makaya triumphs again

FIJM 2025 | King Makaya triumphs again

FIJM | It’s About Time to Ackowledge Peter Evans Fabulous Playing

FIJM | It’s About Time to Ackowledge Peter Evans Fabulous Playing

FIJM | Yasmin Williams: Reinventing The Guitar!

FIJM | Yasmin Williams: Reinventing The Guitar!

FIJM | Natalia Lafourcade Sparks a Place des Arts Gone Mexican

FIJM | Natalia Lafourcade Sparks a Place des Arts Gone Mexican

FIJM | Clown Core: the theatre of extremes, between Pennywise and Krusty

FIJM | Clown Core: the theatre of extremes, between Pennywise and Krusty

Domaine Forget | A Summer of Discovery

Domaine Forget | A Summer of Discovery

FIJM | Wynton & JLCO: Something of an Opening Ceremony

FIJM | Wynton & JLCO: Something of an Opening Ceremony

SUONI | Kalmunity: STARS SHINE DARKLY in a night of powerful words, words of love and raging roars, healing grooves and dissent manners

SUONI | Kalmunity: STARS SHINE DARKLY in a night of powerful words, words of love and raging roars, healing grooves and dissent manners

Suoni 2025 | Farida Amadou ++: an apotheosis of adrenaline discharge

Suoni 2025 | Farida Amadou ++: an apotheosis of adrenaline discharge

Serge Fiori’s Imprint (1952-2025)

Serge Fiori’s Imprint (1952-2025)

Suoni 2025 | Bozzini + Sarah Hennies: contrasts in post-minimalism

Suoni 2025 | Bozzini + Sarah Hennies: contrasts in post-minimalism

Queenie | An Artist to Look Out For

Queenie | An Artist to Look Out For

Jazz at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal explained by Modibo Keita

Jazz at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal explained by Modibo Keita

Subscribe to our newsletter