ISLAMABAD: The jazz quarter Cyminology’s performance at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Tuesday night will likely leave their audience talking about their dark and beautiful melodies for a long time.

Arranged by the Goethe-Institut Pakistan in collaboration with the Embassy of Germany, organisers described Cyminology as an unusual jazz band.

The band consists of vocalist Cymin Samawatie, Benedikt Jahnel on piano, Ralf Schwarz on double bass and Ketan Bhatti on drums, all from diverse backgrounds.

Since the band was formed in 2002, they have toured around the world and this was the first time they visited Pakistan. They came to Islamabad after performing in Lahore.

“We are delighted to play our music for you. I love music and poetry, which is why I do what do,” said Cymin Samawatie, who sang in Persian.

Their graceful and nuanced approach lent distinction to their performance.

The rich sounds Ralf Schwarz drew from his instrument gave the quartet a uniquely glossy sound throughout the live concert. Their compositions felt at times like a gentle breeze.

Meanwhile, Cymin Samawatie savoured her interactions with Benedikt Jahnel on the piano. Ketan Bhatti, playing riotous, raucous and the wacky grooves on the drum, knew where to find Ralf Schwarz charging on the bass and Benedikt Jahnel playing felt almost hypnotic.

The quartet moved with stately grace. Cutting up, slowing down and disorganising her compositions, the performance was at the same time about fluidity and enchantment as Cymin Samawatie performed songs based on the verses of Rumi and Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

A member of the audience said the musicians performed in the style of the masters. “Their tunes changed the shape of my evening,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2019