The CoolJazz Festival returned yesterday for another promising edition. Benjamin Clementine, Rita Vian, Benjamin Clementine and Mafalda Nunes were the stars of the first day.
The British artist, known for being a singer-poet, pianist, composer and performer of great impact, was the star of the night, which included a small tribute to the brothers Diogo Jota and André Silva, who passed away this week.
Benjamin Clementine returned to Portugal for one of his best concerts, with the Manuel Possolo Hippodrome in Cascais almost full, he amazed the audience with a concert full of small details and musical richness that left no one indifferent.
Going through his most emblematic themes, on an intense and robust journey, he took the audience through moments, sometimes more intense and sometimes less, like a conductor leading his orchestra.
Born in London, he has had a unique life trajectory, having been homeless in Paris before becoming a cult figure in the city’s music and art scene. Benjamin Clementine is difficult to categorise into a single genre, but can be described as a fusion of Avant-garde/Experimental Pop, but also a contemporary classic with a Soul/Folk mix.
Clementine is a poet and his lyrics are very important, often delivered with a theatrical diction, mixing verse, prose and monologues, where he speaks of integrity, vulnerability, alienation and social consciousness.
His live performances are intense and theatrical, with Clementine often appearing barefoot and in a wool coat, using the stage as an extension of his artistic expression. He is often compared to artists such as Nina Simone, Antony Hegarty and Jacques Brel for his vocal intensity and presence.
From his discography, we highlight:
- “At Least For Now” (2015) was his debut album, which earned him the prestigious Mercury Music Prize. This album is a powerful collection of songs that reflect her life experiences and unique vision.
- “I Tell a Fly” (2017) is a more conceptual and experimental album, which explores political and social themes with her usual insight.
- “And I Have Been” (2022) is her third studio album, which continues her sonic and lyrical exploration.
Rita Vian took the main stage
Rita Vian is a Portuguese singer and songwriter who opened the main stage with a controlled and assured rise. Rita has been marking her space and gaining recognition for her music.
Her innovative approach to music, crossing the roots of fado with electronic and contemporary sounds, her music is described as electronic fado or urban pop, with the importance of words and poetry as a form of self-expression.
Rita Vian creates a bridge between tradition and modernity; her voice, crystal clear and melancholic, is complemented by beats that refer to electronic, hip-hop and R&B. She takes influences from artists such as Jorge Palma, Manuel Cruz and Sam The Kid, which is reflected in the lyrical depth of her songs.
Her lyrics explore life experiences, emotions and awareness of actions and feelings. Rita Vian refers to her music as “conscious music”, a space of vulnerability and honesty to give meaning to her thoughts.
Rita Vian in her discography with CAOS’A from 2021 and an album, SENSOREAL, from 2023.
Plasticine opens the festival
Plasticine on the Cascais Jazz Sessions Stage by Smooth FM, the Portuguese musical collective, originally from the Algarve, known for its fusion and world music sound, opened the festival.
The band Plasticine demonstrated its ability to transgress musical genres, mixing a wide range of influences to create a “unique musical tapestry”. Their music spans progressive rock, funk, jazz and soul. On the CoolJazz stage, they had an audience full of friends and fans with their vibrant, energetic music that is inspired without prejudice by the music that the world has to offer.
The group has a flexible lineup and, on stage, they usually have about 10 members, which gives them a rich, orchestral sound. The band has had many musicians over the years; however, some of the members are
- João Faísca: Vocalist and guitarist (and keyboards).
- Pedro Barroso: Guitars, bass and vocals.
- Ivo Martins: Drums.
- Pedro Guerreiro: Bass.
- Pedro Glória: Percussion, monotron and vocals.
- Wesley Seme: Vocalist and keyboardist (French, from Martinique).
- Lana Gasparotti: Keyboards and vocals.
- João Barbosa: Trumpet.
- Marco Canas: Saxophone.
- Ricardo Lopes: Trombone.
The band Plasticine has released several works that demonstrate its versatility, such as The Most Beautiful Skies (2022) and Millennials (2024).
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