Bau's music is the sound of the Atlantic Ocean at rest. It is deeply rooted in the Cape Verdean tradition of morna and coladeira, but stripped of the voice to let the wood and wire of his instruments speak. The primary sensation is one of profound, beautiful longing: the 'sodade' that defines his culture. His guitar work is fluid and warm, while his violin playing carries a vocal-like expressiveness that feels like a human sigh.
What sets Bau apart is his multi-instrumental mastery and his background as an instrument maker. Because he understands the physical construction of his guitars and violins, he coaxes a specific, resonant clarity from them that feels intimate and lived-in. There is a rhythmic sophistication in his use of the cavaquinho that provides a gentle, percussive heartbeat to even his most somber pieces, ensuring the music never feels stagnant.
For those new to his work, starting with 'Cape Verdean Melancholy' or 'Jailza' is essential. These recordings showcase his ability to bridge the gap between traditional island folk and a more polished, cinematic chamber sound. It is perfect for listeners who appreciate the technical precision of classical guitar but crave the emotional honesty of roots music.
Rufino Almeida (born 1962 in Mindelo, better known as Bau, is a Cape Verdean musician. His father, an instrument maker, taught him how to make and play the guitar, the cavaquinho and the violin. In 1994, he joined the touring band of Cesária Évora and in 1996 became her musical director. In September 1999, he moved on and his song "Raquel" was featured in Pedro Almodóvar's 2002 film Talk to Her. He's toured with several other singers, including Hernani Almeida in 1999 and 2001. Some of his songs were written by Teófilo Chantre. His cousin, Tito Paris, is a famous singer.
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