Mostrando postagens com marcador Brazilian Traditions. Mostrar todas as postagens
Mostrando postagens com marcador Brazilian Traditions. Mostrar todas as postagens

5.3.21

V.A. - The Rough Guide To Brazil : Rio De Janeiro (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Cutting down the usual mass of music contained in any given Brazilian compilation, and following the more regional focus of the Bahia Rough Guide, this album covers the more urban music of Brazil -- the samba, bossa nova, carioco, and so on. Some electronic samba opens the album, followed quickly by a rendition of a classic Gilberto Gil piece. Fusions of samba with electronica, bossa nova with funk, and MPB with soul and jazz make themselves heard here. The classic compositions of Jobim, Gil, Powell, and others also find their way in simultaneously. Some of the most interesting stuff here is the least standard for the area. Ed Motta sounds like an old Michael Jackson dance record, Beth Carvalho enhances an old piece with notions of "Over the Rainbow." The sounds aren't as contemporary as one might expect given the massive life in Rio currently, but there are some interesting pieces here that make a decent cross-stylistic set. by Adam Greenberg
1    Moisés Santana – Algeria 3:07
2    Equale – quele Abraço 2:24
3    Clara Moreno – Ela (Rap Da Clara) 5:35
4    Trio Mocotó – Chiclete Com Banana 4:17
5    Nei Lopez – Samba De Eleguá 3:43
6    Beth Carvalho – Folhas Secas 3:16
7    Fernanda Porto – Só Tinha De Ser Com Você 4:16
8    Quinta – Construção    4:51
9    Ed Motta–    Tem Espaço Na Van    4:05
10    Nelson Sargento–    Agoniza Mas Não Morre    2:10
11    Paulo Bellinati & Mônica Salmaso–    Canto De Ossanha    3:52
12    Elizete Cardoso–    Chega De Saudade    3:27
13    Renato Piau & Luiz Melodía–    Fadas    2:55
14    Jards Macalé–    Rei De Janeiro    3:49
15    Marcelinho Da Lua Feat. Seu Jorge–    Cotidiano    5:23
16    B'Negão–    A Verdadeiro Dança Do Patinho    3:42

1.7.20

PAUL DESMOND - Skylark (1973-2003) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless


Moving over to the CTI label with Creed Taylor, Paul Desmond injects a bit of the 1970s into his sound, obtaining agreeable if not totally simpatico results. Here, the cool altoist is teamed with the progressive-slanted drumming of Jack DeJohnette (who might have been too busy a drummer for his taste), and Bob James' electric and acoustic pianos, with Ron Carter as the bass anchor, Gene Bertoncini on rhythm guitar, and, most interestingly, another individualist, Gabor Szabo, on solo electric guitar. For the first and only time, even taking into account the most inspired moments of Jim Hall, Desmond is not the most interesting soloist on his own record, for it is Szabo who most consistently draws you in with his mesmerizing incantations over vamps from the rhythm section. For those who missed it the first time, Desmond remakes "Take Ten" -- without the Middle Eastern elements -- "Romance de Amor" is eventually dominated by Szabo, and the inclusion of "Was a Sunny Day" proves that Desmond's involvement with the music of Paul Simon in 1970 was not a passing infatuation. Don Sebesky is credited with the "arrangements" but his orchestrating hand is not felt except for a single solo cello (George Ricci) in an adaptation of Purcell ("Music for a While"). It's a cautious change of pace for Desmond, although the fiercer context into which he was placed doesn't really fire his imagination. by Richard S. Ginell  
Tracklist:
1 Take Ten 6:08
Paul Desmond
2 Romance de Amor 9:40
Traditional
3 Was a Sunny Day 4:52
Paul Simon
4 Music for a While 6:45
Henry Purcell
5 Skylark 5:21
Hoagy Carmichael / Johnny Mercer
6 Indian Summer 4:00
Al Dubin / Victor Herbert
7 Music for a While 5:56
Henry Purcell
8 Skylark 5:39
Hoagy Carmichael / Johnny Mercer
9 Indian Summer 5:27
Al Dubin / Victor Herbert
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – Paul Desmond
Arranged By, Supervised By – Don Sebesky
Bass – Ron Carter
Cello – George Ricci
Drums – Jack DeJohnette
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Guitar – Gene Bertoncini
Guitar, Soloist [All Solos] – Gabor Szabo
Percussion – Ralph MacDonald
Piano, Electric Piano – Bob James
Producer – Creed Taylor

22.3.20

A BARCA DO SOL - A Barca do Sol (1974) FLAC (tracks), lossless


A Barca Do Sol was a group that was active between 1974 and 1981. Several of its members became famous musicians or interpreters: Jaques Morelembaum (cello), David Ganc (flutes), Ritchie (flute), Nando Carneiro (violão), and the brothers Muri and Marcelo Costa. The group's concept was to provide acoustic renditions of their originals, based on American folk, in the preferred 6/8 time signature of the Clube da Esquina gang (the structure that their beautiful hit, included here, "Lady Jane," is based on), in the harmony lessons of Egberto Gismonti and Dori Caymmi, and in progressive rock (some of the flute attacks are obviously reminiscent of Jethro Tull's). This is the CD reissue of the first two of their three recorded LPs, A Barca Do Sol (1974) and Durante O verão (1976). The lyrics are an important aspect of their work; for example, "Lady Jane" was inspired both by the Rolling Stones and by D. H. Lawrence's Lady Chaterley roman (in that book, the protagonists call each other's sexual organs "Lady Jane" and "John Thomas"). Egberto Gismonti appears in two tracks playing a synthesizer, an innovation in those times in Brazil. by Alvaro Neder 
Tracklist:
1 A Primeira Batalha 3:05
Written-By – Afonso Carlos Costa, Nando Carneiro
2 Brilho Da Noite 4:03
Written-By – Geraldo E. Carneiro, Nando Carneiro
3 Arremesso 3:43
Written-By – João Carlos Pádua, Nando Carneiro
4 As Boas Consciências 3:07
Written-By – Geraldo E. Carneiro, Nando Carneiro
5 Caminhão 4:33
Written-By – Afonso Carlos Costa, Daniel Mendes Campos, Nando Carneiro
6 Lady Jane 2:20
Written-By – Geraldo E. Carneiro, Nando Carneiro
7 Dragão Da Bondade 3:00
Written-By – João Carlos Pádua, Nando Carneiro
8 Alaska 3:30
Written-By – Geraldão Carneiro, Nando Carneiro
9 Fantasma Da Ópera 2:44
Written-By – Geraldo E. Carneiro, Mauricio Costa
10 Corsário Satã 4:12
Written-By – João Carlos Pádua, Nando Carneiro
11 A Barca Do Sol 3:16
Written-By – João Carlos Pádua, Mauricio Costa, Nando Carneiro
Credits:
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – Marcos Stul
Flute – Marcelo Bernardes
Percussion – Marcelo Costa
Percussion, Viola, Guitar, Guitar [Violão] – Beto Rezende
Producer – Egberto Gismonti
Synthesizer – Egberto Gismonti (tracks: 3, 8)
Vocals, Guitar [Violão] – Nando Carneiro
Vocals, Viola, Guitar [Violão] – Muri Costa
Vocals, Violin, Cello – Jaquinho Morelenbaum

A BARCA DO SOL - Durante o Verão (1976) FLAC (tracks), lossless


Tracklist:
1 Durante O Verão 2:48
Written-By – Geraldo E. Carneiro, Nando Carneiro
2 Hotel Colonial 5:55
Written-By – Geraldo E. Carneiro, Muri Costa
3 A Língua & A Bainha 2:50
Written-By – Jose R. Resende, Geraldo E. Carneiro, Nando Carneiro
4 Os Pilares Da Cultura 2:41
Written-By – Geraldo E. Carneiro, Jaques Morelembaum
5 Karen 2:20
Written-By – Alain P. Ribero De Magalhães
6 Memorial Day 4:29
Written-By – Geraldo Eduardo Carneiro, Jaques Morelembaum
7 O Banquete 3:44
Written-By – João Carlos Pádua, Nando Carneiro
8 Belladonna, Lady Of The Rocks 6:25
Written-By – Geraldo E. Carneiro, Nando Carneiro
9 Outros Carnavais 2:44
Written-By – Geraldo E. Carneiro, Jaques Morelembaum
Credits:
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass – Alain
Arranged By – A Barca Do Sol
Drums, Percussion – Marcelo
Flute – David
Percussion, Viola, Guitar, Guitar [Violão] – Beto
Vocals, Guitar [Violão] – Nando
Vocals, Viola, Guitar [Violão], Percussion – Muri
Vocals, Violin, Cello, Piano – Jaquinho

21.3.20

BENJAMIM TAUBKIN - A Terra e o Espaço Aberto (1997) Mp3


Estréia em disco do pianista Benjamim Taubkin, com composições inéditas deste instrumentista com longa vivência nos palcos brasileiros e internacionais. Acompanhado por Lui Coimbra no cello, violão e charango, Toninho Carrasqueira na flauta e Marcos Suzano na percussão,trabalho totalmente acústico, traz leituras contemporâneas de ritmos e modos brasileiros: maracatus, choros, maxixes e outras canções. Indicado ao Prêmio Sharp/98 –  Revelação Instrumental e Prêmio Movimento/98.
Tracklist:
1- Quarta-feira 1:00,  T. Carrasqueira, M. Suzano, L. Coimbra e B. Taubkin
2- Domingo no Sítio dos Nakashima, B. Taubkin
3- A Terra e o Espaço Aberto,  Benjamim Taubkin
4- Improviso, Benjamim Taubkin e Caíto Marcondes
5- Maracatu do João, Benjamim Taubkin
6- Pena que a Vovó não está aqui ou O Dia em que John Coltrane esteve em Bebedouro, B. Taubkin
7- 54 West 16th. Street, B. Taubkin
8- O Passeio dos Elefantes, L. Coimbra, T. Carrasqueira e B. Taubkin
9- Ternura, K-Chimbinho 
Credits:
Benjamim Taubkin: piano e balaphon
Lui Coimbra: cello, violão e charango
Toninho Carrasqueira: flautas
Marcos Suzano: percussão
Guests:
Teco Cardoso: sax barítono em “Pena que a Vovó...”
Caíto Marcondes: percussão no piano em “Improviso”

EDÚ LÔBO - Missa Breve (1973-1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless


Strength and weakness of Edu Lobo, the level of complexity of his compositions and his arrangements which can give the impression of a music a bit intellectual touch far from the purified canons of Samba and Bossa Nova. Missa Breve (1973) is part of an extremely interesting MPB / Jazz Fusion lineage symbolized by the superb title "Porto do Sol" which commutes between Jazz and Samba. The first two songs on the album, "Vento Bravo" and "Viola Fora De Moda" are also very successful. With Missa Breve, Edu Lobo proves once again that he is a great composer and performer of high quality. "Zanga, Zangada" is a nice Bossa Nova tune punctuated by Paulo Moura's saxophone. Note the presence in the staff of the Caymmi brothers, Dori and Danilo. The second part of the album is a little less interesting with "bizarre" mystical tunes like "Kyrie" with the Quarteto Em Cy, "Libera Nós" e "Oremus". Missa Breve is a good quality album, a bit uneven nevertheless, but which confirms the immense talent of Edu Lobo by D. Deret

Força e fraqueza de Edu Lobo, o nível de complexidade de suas composições e arranjos que podem dar à impressão de uma música um toque um pouco intelectual, longe dos cânones purificados do samba e da bossa nova. Missa Breve (1973) faz parte de uma linhagem MPB / Jazz Fusion extremamente interessante, simbolizada pelo excelente título "Porto do Sol", que se alterna entre Jazz e Samba. As duas primeiras músicas do álbum, "Vento Bravo" e "Viola Fora De Moda" também são muito bem-sucedidas. Com Missa Breve, Edu Lobo prova mais uma vez que ele é um brilhante compositor e intérprete de alta qualidade. "Zanga, Zangada" é uma bela música da Bossa Nova, pontuada pelo saxofone de Paulo Moura. Observe a presença na equipe dos irmãos Caymmi, Dori e Danilo. A segunda parte do álbum é um pouco menos interessante com músicas místicas "bizarras" como "Kyrie", do Quarteto Em Cy, "Libera Nós" e "Oremus". Missa Breve é ​​um álbum de boa qualidade, um pouco desigual, mas que confirma o imenso talento de Edu Lobo
Tracklist:
1 Vento Bravo 3:37
Alto Saxophone – Paulo Moura
Backing Vocals – Danilo Caymmi, Dori Caymmi (2), Fernando Leporace
Baritone Saxophone – Aurino
Bass – Novelli
Drums, Congas – Rubinho 
Piano – Tenório
Trombone – Maciel
Trumpet – Mauricio
Vocals – Edu Lobo
Written-By – Edú Lôbo, Paulo César Pinheiro
2 Viola Fora Do Moda 2:49
Backing Vocals – Fernando Leporace
Bass – Novelli
Drums – Rubinho 
Flute, Backing Vocals – Danilo Caymmi
Vocals, Guitar, Percussion – Edu Lobo
Written-By – Edú Lôbo, José Carlos Capinan
3 Porto Do Sol 5:02
Bass – Novelli
Drums – Rubinho 
Electric Piano – Tenório Jr.
Guitar – Nelson Angelo
Percussion – Danilo Caymmi
Vocals, Guitar, Percussion – Edu Lobo
Written-By – Edú Lôbo, Ronaldo Bastos
4 Zanga, Zangada 3:08
Alto Saxophone – Paulo Moura
Bass – Novelli
Drums – Rubinho 
Vocals, Guitar – Edu Lobo
Written-By – Edú Lôbo, Ronaldo Bastos
5 Dois Coelhos 2:00
Vocals, Guitar – Edu Lobo
Written-By – Edú Lôbo, Ruy Guerra
6 Kyrie 4:30
Backing Vocals – Cynara, Cyva, Danilo Caymmi, Dorinha, Ruy, Soninha
Bass, Backing Vocals – Fernando Leporace
Drums, Percussion – Rubinho 
Organ – Dom Salvador
Piano – Tenório Jr.
Vocals, Backing Vocals – Edu Lobo
Written-By – Edú Lôbo
7 Gloria 5:10
12-String Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals – Nelson Angelo
Backing Vocals – Cynira, Cyva, Dorinha Tapajós, Ruy, Soninha 
Bass, Backing Vocals – Fernando Leporace
Drums – Rubinho 
Flute, Backing Vocals – Danilo Caymmi
Organ – Dori Caymmi  
Percussion – Tenório Jr. 
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar – Edu Lobo
Written-By – Edú Lôbo 
8 Incelensa 3:50
12-String Acoustic Guitar, Percussion – Nelson Angelo
Bass, Backing Vocals – Fernando Leporace
Drums – Rubinho  
Flute, Percussion, Backing Vocals – Danilo Caymmi
Vocals, Guitar – Edu Lobo
Written-By – Edú Lôbo, Ruy Guerra
9 Oremus 2:14
Organ – Tenório Jr.
Voice – Milton Nascimento
Written-By – Edú Lôbo
10 Libera-Nos 3:42
Backing Vocals – Cynara, Cyva, Danilo Caymmi, Dorinha, Fernando Leporace, Ruy, Soninha
Bass – Fernando Leporace
Drums – Rubinho 
Piano – Tenório Jr.
Written-By – Edú Lôbo
Credits:
Conductor – Mario Tavares
Directed By [Musical Director] – Maestro Gaya
Orchestrated By – Edu Lobo

NANÁ VASCONCELOS - 4 Elementos (2013) FLAC (tracks), lossless

 Tracklist:
1 Vinheta - Fogo 0:50
2 Légua Tirana 4:48
Cello – Fabiano Menezes
Violin – Cláudio Rabeca
Voice, Caxixi, Talking Drum, Percussion [Jar], Triangle, Rattle – Naná Vasconcelos
3 Terráqueos - Vida - Bush-Dance 5:45
Gong [Gongs], Handclaps [Palms], Voice – Naná Vasconcelos
Voice – Carol Levi
4 Vinheta - Fogo 0:50
5 Nizinga 4:21
Cavaquinho – Maíra Macedo, Moema Macedo
Percussion – Lulu Araújo, Naná Vasconcelos
Trombone – Nilsinho Amarante
Voice – Nalva Silva, Paes Brandão, Valéria Wanda
6 Clementina 2:28
Percussion [Jar], Berimbau, Talking Drum, Tamborim, Cabasa, Voice – Naná Vasconcelos
7 Astronáfrica 5:12
Keyboards – Carlinhos Borges
Percussion [Cups], Cabasa, Gong, Caixa, Congas [Conga], Drums, Caxixi, Voice – Naná Vasconcelos
8 Coco Lunar 5:09
Bombo, Ganzá – Viola Luz
Cavaquinho – Maíra Macedo, Moema Macedo
Djembe, Pandeiro – Jerimum de Olinda
Trombone – Nilsinho Amarante
Voice – Nalva SIlva, Paes Brandão, Valéria Wanda
9 Vinheta - Fogo 0:33
10 Chorágua 2:50
Performer [Water], Percussion [Jar], Gong, Strings, Percussion [Ilu], Voice – Naná Vasconcelos
11 Berimbando 3:31
Berimbau – Naná Vasconcelos
12 Passos 4:15
Cello – Fabiano Menezes
Percussion [Jar], Performer [Rice Bag], Caxixi – Naná Vasconcelos
Twelve-String Guitar – Fred Andrade
13 Fogo 1:48
Whistle, Performer [Salt Bags] – Naná Vasconcelos

MÁRCIO MONTARROYOS & STONE ALIANCE - Márcio Montarroyos & Stone Alliance (1977) Mp3


Márcio Montarroyos is an excellent Brazilian musician with an extensive resumé as a session man for Brazilian and international top musicians. Some of his later releases fell in a somewhat abusive commercial line, but this one preserves his musicality and adventurousness. A Brazilian fusion jazz album, originally recorded in 1977, it benefits from the international excellence of such musicians as Steve Grossman, Gene Perla, Don Alias, and the Brazilians Hermeto Pascoal, David Sion, and Dom Bira, among others. Mixing the American standard "A Child Is Born" (Thad Jones) with those musicians' originals, the album keeps a cohesive quality and creative improvisations provided by the amazing range of expression of each of its individual components. by Alvaro Neder
Tracklist:
1 Hey Bicho, Vamos Nessa 4:48
Congas [Uncredited], Cowbell [Uncredited] – Don Bira
Written-By – Steve Grossman
2 Rua Da Boa Hora 4:48
Percussion [Uncredited] – David Sion  
Written-By – Marcio Montarroyos
3 A Child Is Born 4:34
Written-By – Thad Jones
4 On The Foot Peg 5:51
Written-By – Marcio Montarroyos
5 Menina Ilza 6:39
Written-By, Piano [Uncredited], Flute [Uncredited] – Hermeto Pascoal
6 Risa 5:23
Written-By – Don Alias
7 Libra Rising 3:22
Written-By – Steve Grossman
8 The Greeting 4:10
Written-By – Don Alias, Erasto Vasconcelos
Credits:
Bass, Electric Piano, Synthesizer [Strings, Moog], Keyboards, Piano – Gene Perla
Congas, Drums, Guitar, Voice, Percussion – Don Alias
Percussion, Surdo, Voice, Cowbell [Bell], Cowbell – Erasto De Holanda Vasconcelos
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Piano – Steve Grossman
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Piano, Percussion, Synthesizer [Moog], Voice, Mellophone – Marcio Montarroyos


LUIZ MELODIA - Pérola Negra (1978) Mp3


This is the CD reissue of Luiz Melodia's first album, from 1973. He got his chance upon having Gal Costa include "Pérola Negra" on her 1972 Gal A Todo Vapor and Maria Bethânia, "Estácio, Holly Estácio," on her 1972 Drama - Anjo Exterminado. This is Melodia at his best. The album opens with the samba "Estácio, Eu E Você," accompanied by the excellent Regional Do Canhoto. Pure Brazilian grooves can also be found in the all-time classic "Estácio, Holly Estácio" and in the northeastern forró "Forró de Janeiro." He was already into a fusion of Brazilian sambas (he was raised in Estácio, the most traditional samba hill in Rio) with contemporary American rhythms, but at that time there was a general concern for musicality, so in this album the American grooves are interpreted acoustically, with occasional brass arrangements, and no boring, noisy drum machines -- a category that includes "Vale Quanto Pesa," "Prá Aquietar" (with some fuzzed-out guitars), "Abundantemente Morte" (a blues), the immortal classic "Pérola Negra," "Magrelinha" (another hit), "Farrapo Humano" (one more of his all-time hits), and "Objeto H." His lyrics, in general, focus on urban themes with philosophical stoicism. by Alvaro Neder 

LUIZ MELODIA - Mico de Circo (1978) FLAC (tracks), lossless

20.3.20

RABO DE LAGARTIXA - Quebra-Queixo (Jaw Breaker) 2000 / Mp3


Rabo de Lagartiza, literally "Tail of the Gecko," updates the century-old choro music of Brazil. Also know as Brazilian ragtime, this form allows the saxophone-led combo to make unexpected tempo shifts and melodic leaps. While choro is really an instrumental form, vocals show up here that strengthen the similarity to hot jazz and jump blues. At times fiercely swinging, this album also can be reflective and whimsical. This facet appears on the acoustic bass-powered "Melodia Sentimental." Together, the tracks that make up Quebra-Queixo: Jawbreaker are a rewarding musical experience. The Rabo de Lagartiza members are virtuosos with jazz passion celebrating the vibrant choro tradition. by Tom Schulte

TRIO DA PAZ - Partido Out (1998) Mp3

While the impact of bossa nova is palatable on some of '50s West Coast jazz, the inspiration went both ways. Trio da Paz, formed in 1986, exhibit on Partido Out not only this long-felt influence of American jazz on bossa nova, but international forms of samba and more. When, in the late 19th Century, Brazilian musicians fused their unique syncopations onto European polkas and waltzes, choro, a sort of tropical ragtime, was born. Inspiring a community of late night jam sessions, a new creative form of Brazilian jazz grew up out of this experimentation. by Tom Schulte

TUTTY MORENO - Forças d'Alma (Forces of the Soul) 2000 / Mp3

Many point to Europe as the land jazz emigrated to, the region where it found widespread acceptance and popularity after marginalization in America. Especially for specific career paths, this is so. However, in Brazil the art of jazz flourishes, bearing fruits of unparalleled creativity. Brazilian drummer Tutty Moreno exemplifies the sophisticated, advanced face of jazz in that country. On his album Forces d'Alma (Forces of the Soul) he participates in a piano trio drawing on Sao Paulo's best talent. Reed player Nailor "Proveta" Azevedo is part of the Grammy-nominated Banda Matiquiera. Bassist Rodolfo Stroeter also provides rhythmic support in fusion project Pau Brasil. Pianist Andre Mehmari is an exceptional keyboard master at the age of 21. Forces d'Alma combines the elements of the jazz soul: emotion, melody, theme improvisation, and the beauty of the appropriately unexpected. by Tom Schulte

ULISSES ROCHA - Moleque (Child) 2000 / Mp3


Ulisses Rocha is a master of the guitar and an important figure in modern, adventurous Brazilian jazz. With his talent, he creates intricate instrumental music. Rocha delivers the harmonic and rhythmic complexity of a trio on his album Moleque (Child). On "Rhythm and Romance," guitarist Rick Udler and vocalist Maria Alvim offer an understated beauty in the tradition of the beguiling simplicity with which Jobim first gave Brazil a global audience. by Tom Schulte

RICK UDLER & MARIA ALVIM - Rhythm & Romance (1996) Mp3

UZ 22 - Renascimento (The Music of Milton Nascimento) 1998 / Mp3


LADSTON DO NASCIMENTO - A Voz Do Coração (Voice of the Heart) 2000 / Mp3


Nascimento is a powerful and expressive vocalist on the Brazilian popular music scene. Like Sinatra he comes across as a popular vocalist with a touch of jazz interpretation in his delivery. On A Voz de Coracao (Voice of the Heart) you hear this master singer, a leading voice in the MPB (Brazilian popular music) genre. Malandro continues to maintain high quality and a broad mind in documenting the best of Brazilian samba, bossa nova, MPB, and other genres that have "at least a touch of jazz." by Tom Schulte

TERRA BRASIL - Mestiço (Mestizo) 1998 / Mp3


Diversity and musicianship are the keystones of the Malandro roster. Exemplifying this is the sextet Terra Brasil and their album Mestico (Mestizo). Their ensemble jazz is rich in Brazilian styles and the frantic energy of an urban populace. Originating from bustling Sao Paulo, they uniquely blend traditional Brazilian rhythms and traditional jazz. This is the dynamic paulista swing. by Tom Schulte

ULISSES ROCHA & TECO CARDOSO - Caminhos Cruzados (Crossed Paths) 2000 / Mp3

On Caminhos Cruzados, Cardoso brings several types of saxophone and flute to join in duet with jazz guitarist Ulisses Rocha. Beside the Jobim title track, there is another piece from that artist here, "Retrato em Branco e Preto." The bulk of the rest of the album is Rocha originals, and is exciting throughout. Like Jobim's music, this is not the type of excitement implied by most American jazz, that is, city nightlife. No, together with Cardoso's horns and various bamboo flutes, this is the tropical excitement of wide spaces, sunshine, and laughing children. Caminhos Cruzados reflects that unique ability of Brazilian jazz in the jazz universe to instead of taking us inside take us outside and incarnate for the listener sunshine and warmth. by Tom Schulte

NILSON MATTA & HENDRIK MEURKENS - Encontros (Meetings) 2000 / Mp3

This delightful CD is the long-postponed project of two popular interpreters and composers of Brazilian music: bassist Nilson Matta and Hendrick Meurkens on vibes, marimba, and chromatic harmonica, making wistful, soulful sounds that blend naturally into this harmonic landscape. The other players include the splendid Italian jazz pianist Dado Moroni on two tracks and four superb Brazilian musicians based in New York: guitarist Romero Lubambo, drummer Duduka Da Fonsesca, vocalist Maucha Adnet, and pianist Helio Alvez, known for his clean, swinging lines. Two Jobim standards are nicely done: the languid "Amor em Paz," with lovely soloing by Lubambo, and the triumphant "Chega de Saudade" (aka "No More Blues"), where the mix doesn't capture Adnet's satiny, live voice, but can't hide her impeccable time. The closer is a free-form romp on Hermeto Pascoal's "O Ovo," where Da Fonsesca finally gets to stretch out and shine. The rest are tuneful originals by the co-leaders, such as Meurken's evocative travel pieces -- "Summer in San Francisco" and "Prague in March" -- and Matta's beautiful bossa tributes to his mother, "Rosa," and wife, "This Is for Luisa." There's also Meurken's jolly, jazzy version of the traditional chorinho and Matta's churning salute to Baden Powell, which highlights his strong, warm bass work and contains a surprise: a Bach prelude that swings hard. Fine work all around and an excellent, varied sampler of Brazilian jazz. by Judith Schlesinger  

ESBJÖRN SVENSSON TRIO — Winter In Venice (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Esbjörn Svensson has stood not only once on stage in Montreux. He was already a guest in the summer of 1998 at the jazz festival on Lake Gen...