Manto Ruben Alves

• 1 Castelo 04:03
• 2 Taki 04:17
• 3 A Chegada dos Infantes 06:36
• 4 Quinto Elemento 05:54
• 5 Voo Suspenso 02:07
• 6 Barro 05:19
• 7 Primeiro Canto em Casa Nova 05:43
• 8 Em Coro Menino 03:25
• 9 Mãe, Anda Ver Se Está Bem 02:17
• 10 Certeza (de uma Nota Só) 04:39
• 11 Tempo Travão 04:22
• 12 Valsa Final 03:32
• Total Runtime 52:14

Info zu Manto

Pianist Ruben Alves returns with an album that mixes classical and jazz influences with a traditional Portuguese sound, including the sound of the Portuguese guitar and traditional percussions.

Ruben launches an album of original music in which he mixes classical and jazz influences with a traditional Portuguese sound, including the sound of the Portuguese guitar and traditional percussions.

In this work, Ruben Alves wanted to focus on his influences in traditional Portuguese music, although his training and artistic career are centred on jazz/pop and classical.

Not only does the introduction of the Portuguese guitar and some traditional percussion reflect this objective, but the sound and composition itself reflect this fact, ending up with a fusion of jazz, improvised music and traditional music. music.

At a time when traditional music (particularly fado) is very much centred on vocal music, Ruben Alves aims to show another side, within his influences, with interpretative quality and exclusively original material.

By adding the double bass (Miguel Menezes) and drums (Marcos Alves), the Portuguese guitar (Luís Guerreiro), the cello (Sandra Martins) and percussion (João Ferreira), expands not only the timbral palette but also the range of atmospheres, with the help of judicious arrangement work. The unstoppable crescendo of tension in “Quinto elemento”, in the style of the Esbjörn Svensson Trio, reaches epic proportions and leads into the calm and refined “Voo suspenso”, followed by “Barro”, enchanting (and vaguely Arabizing) and “Primeiro canto em casa nova”, with a gentle bossa nova swing. The pop influences are most evident in “Certeza (de uma nota só)” and the album closes with the exquisitely simple and delicate “Valsa final”.

With a 22-year career as a pianist and composer, with an activity centred on accompanying well-known singers, he has also pursued his own artistic activity, which has resulted in works shown on several albums, namely: ‘Clara Madrugada’ 2000; ‘Súbito’ 2009; ‘Kolme’ 2012; ‘Kolme II’ 2016; ‘Lúmen’ 2017; ‘O Mais Pequeno Espaço Apreciável de Tempo’ 2018.

Ruben Alves, piano
Luís Guerreiro, Portuguese guitar
Miguel Menezes, double bass
Marcos Alves, drums
Sandra Martins, cello

Ruben Alves
Throughout his career, Ruben has explored various musical styles, blending elements of jazz, classical, and experimental genres while maintaining his distinct artistic signature. His passion for innovation is reflected not only in his performances but also in his compositions, where he constantly seeks new sounds and creative expressions. He has released several jazz albums, including Clara Madrugada (2000), Súbito (2008), and in collaboration with Carlos Miguel and Miguel Amado, Kolme (2012), Kolme II (2016), and Kolme III (2022). Additionally, his work Lúmen (2007) revisits religious hymns, while O Mais Pequeno Espaço Apreciável de Tempo (2018) and Manto (2020) further showcase his compositional depth.

In addition to his solo career, Ruben Alves has collaborated with renowned Portuguese artists such as Mariza, Carminho, and Fausto. He currently performs with João Gil and Rui Veloso, bringing his rich musical expertise to diverse audiences. Ruben Recording with Maria Veiga

Beyond the concert stage, Ruben has contributed significantly to cinema and television, participating in Cinemateca Portuguesa film mute cycles with improvised interpretations and serving as a professor and pianist in television programs. His dedication to music education extends further through his recently published book of piano scores, 33 Compositions, in which he shares his artistic vision with aspiring musicians.

With his talent, versatility, and deep musical sensitivity, Ruben Alves continues to establish himself as one of Portugal's most exciting and innovative pianists, admired by critics and audiences alike for his ability to create emotionally powerful experiences through music.

Dieses Album enthält kein Booklet