MAUCHA ADNET — The Jobim Songbook (2006) APE (image+.cue), lossless

The lack of liner notes doesn't give much clue as to how long Maucha Adnet has been active professionally as a vocalist, though a quote from Antonio Carlos Jobim indicates that she toured with the late, legendary composer. Her deep, soulful voice is very appealing, similar to that of Leny Andrade. Accompanied by a mix of Brazilian and American musicians, including pianist Helio Alves, flugelhornists Claudio Roditi and Michael Brecker, trombonist Jay Ashby, guitarists Mario Adnet and Romero Lubambo, bassist Nilson Matta and drummer Duduka Da Fonsaca, she is obviously very familiar with a wide range of Jobim's compositions, covering both internationally known hits and pieces that have received less exposure outside of Brazil. The focus is on the singer, with occasional piano or guitar solos, with the brass and reed instruments providing background colors. She scats in unison with an unidentified male singer during the introduction to "Chega De Saudade" before swinging its joyous lyrics, with Alves switching to electric piano. She brings more depth to "Aquas de Marco" (The Waters of March)" than most singers, while Adnet's understated interpretation of "Outra Vez" is also welcome.  Ken Dryden  
Tracklist :
1 Vivo Sonhando 4:37
2 Só Tinha de Ser Com Você 4:19
3 Insensatez 4:57  
4 Ela é Carioca 4:33  
5 Chega de Saudade 4:54  
6 Samba Do Avião 5:26  
7 Águas de Março 3:55
8 Meditacão 3:59  
9 Desafinado 4:59  
10 Corcovado 4:29  
11 Outra Vez 5:10  
12 Garota de Ipanema 6:01  
13 Água de Beber 4:51
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Nilson Matta
Acoustic Guitar – Romero Lubambo
Acoustic Guitar, Arranged By – Mario Adnet
Drums – Duduka Da Fonseca
Flugelhorn – Claudio Roditi, Randy Brecker
Piano – Alfredo Cardim, Helio Alves
Saxophone – Joe Lovano
Trombone – Jay Ashby
Vocals, Producer – Maucha Adnet
Written-By – A.C. Jobim, N. Medonça (tracks: 8, 9), V. de Moraes (tracks: 3, 5, 13)

DIZZY GILLESPIE – To Diz, With Love (Live At The Blue Note) (1992) APE (tracks+.cue), lossless

Dizzy Gillespie's final recording, taken from a month he spent featured at the Blue Note in New York, matches the aging giant with such fellow trumpeters as Jon Faddis, Wynton Marsalis, Claudio Roditi, Wallace Roney, Red Rodney, Charlie Sepulveda and the ancient -- but still brilliant -- Doc Cheatham (who cuts both Diz and Faddis on "Mood Indigo"). Although Gillespie was no longer up to the competition, the love that these fellow trumpeters had for him (and some fine solos) makes this historic CD worth getting. Scott Yanow              Tracklist + Credits :

GARY BARTZ QUINTET - West 42nd Street (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

After a long period of indifferent recordings, altoist Gary Bartz started to fulfill his potential in the early '90s. Joined by a superb rhythm section (comprised of pianist John Hicks, bassist Ray Drummond, and drummer Al Foster) and trumpeter Claudio Roditi (whose restrained power complements rather than competes with Bartz), the altoist really stretches out, particularly on "Speak Low" and "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" which both clock in at within seven seconds of 19 minutes apiece. Bartz is quite lyrical on a superior version of "It's Easy to Remember" and also takes inventive solos on his modal blues "Cousins" and Wilbur Harden's "West 42nd Street." A highly recommended gem. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     West 42nd Street 8:51
Wilbur Harden    
2     Speak Low 19:10
Ogden Nash / Kurt Weill    
3     It's Easy to Remember 11:45
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers    
4     Cousins 10:02
Gary Bartz    
5     The Night Has a Thousand Eyes 18:56     
Marilyn Garrett / Dorothy Wayne / Ben Weisman
Credits :
Bass – Ray Drummond
Drums – Al Foster
Flugelhorn, Trumpet – Claudio Roditi
Piano – John Hicks
Saxophone [Alto, Soprano] – Gary Bartz

PAQUITO D'RIVERA - Who's Smoking?! (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The answer to this CD's title is the musicians. The heated bebop-oriented session finds Paquito D'Rivera joined by trumpeter Claudio Roditi, flügelhornist Mark Morganelli, Danilo Perez or Pedrito Lopez on piano, bassist Harvie Swartz, and drummer Al Foster. An extra treat is that veteran tenorman James Moody guests on three of the nine selections, inspiring D'Rivera to be particularly heated. Highlights include exciting versions of "Giant Steps" and "I Mean You," a clarinet-bass duet on "Out of Nowhere," Perez's "You Got It, Diz," and the blazing title cut. Highly recommended. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Who's Smoking?! 8:02
Paquito D'Rivera / Claudio Roditi
2     Giant Steps 7:13
John Coltrane
3     Irremediablemente Solo (Incurably Alone) 8:04
Avelino Muñoz
4     Linda's Moody 4:48
Claudio Roditi
5     Desert Storm 8:41
Paquito D'Rivera
6     Nuestro Bolero 4:58
Pedrito Lopez
7     I Mean You 5:46
Coleman Hawkins / Thelonious Monk
8     You Got It, Diz! 6:35
Danilo Pérez
9     Out of Nowhere 5:27
Johnny Green / Edward Heyman
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet – Paquito D'Rivera
Bass – Harvie Swartz
Drums – Al Foster
Flugelhorn – Mark Morganelli
Piano – Danilo Perez, Pedrito López
Tenor Saxophone – James Moody
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Claudio Roditi 

PAQUITO D'RIVERA - La Habana : Rio Conexion (1992-2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

La Habana: Rio Conexion is saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera's attempt to bring the gospel of historical bolero to American listeners. These 12 cuts are steeped in the grand Cuban tradition and reinsert its cultural and historical center into a music that has been watered down to the point of being nondescript. But, of course, this is also a jazz recording, and D'Rivera is a jazz musician. The rhythmic and harmonic extrapolations are minimal, however, and focus on the integral form of the music whether it be the album's opening danza, Ernesto Lecuona's "La Comparsa," or the chorinho that closes the proceedings, Pixinguinha's "Segura Ele." In between are wonderfully romantic boleros, ballads of almost unbearable longing. D'Rivera surrounds himself with brilliant players, such as Danílo Perez, Fareed Haque, Pablo Zinger, Johnny Rodriguez, Claudio Roditi, and Jose Madera, to name a few. He also employs a full string section on many tunes. These range from sextets with strings to simple trio pieces, all of them having in common the form of the bolero as it migrated from Havana to Rio and interacted with samba. D'Rivera performs tunes by everyone from Ivan Lins to the great Cuban composers Ignacio Cervantes and Portillo de la Luz. This is an unabashedly romantic recording, which nonetheless possesses serious chops and killer arrangements by the late Chico O'Farrill, Pablo Zinger, and Carlos Franzetti. Highly recommended.
(This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa')
Tracklist :
1     La Comparsa 3:32
Ernesto Lecuona
2     Canção de Noite 4:35
Ivan Lins
3     Danzas Cubanas: A los Tres Golpes 1:21
Ignacio Cervantes
4     Danzas Cubanas: Invitación 0:48
Ignacio Cervantes
5     Noche Cubana 3:08
César Portillo De La Luz
6     Contigo en la Distancia 4:33
César Portillo De La Luz
7     Canción Simple 5:35
Nicolás Reynoso
8     Como un Milagro 4:15
Juanito Márquez
9     Impressions from Tien-An-Men Square 5:39
Paquito D'Rivera
10     No Puedo Ser Felíz 4:16
Adolfo Guzmán
11     Como Fué 4:33
Ernesto Duarte
12     Ciego Reto 3:42
Tania León
13     Segura Ele 3:10
Benedicto Lacerda / Pixinguinha
Credits :
Contrabass – David Finch
Drums – Mark Walker
Guitar – Fareed Haque, Romero Lubambo
Percussion – Johnny Rodriguez, José Madera
Piano – Danilo Perez, Pablo Zinger
Piano, Keyboards – Carlos Franzetti
Saxophone – Paquito D'Rivera
Trumpet – Claudio Roditi

 

PAQUITO D'RIVERA - Brazilian Dreams (2002) APE (tracks+.cue), lossless

Extraordinary saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer Paquito D'Rivera shows his love for vocal quartet music and Brazilian composers on Brazilian Dreams. As one of the most influential and dynamic musicians of his time, D'Rivera's distinctive command of Afro-Cuban jazz, Brazilian jazz, big band, folklore, and world music has attracted critical acclaim and loyal audiences. Joined by New York Voices and trumpeter Claudio Roditi, among others, D'Rivera's abundant talents and joyous enthusiasm make this "live" concert recording both memorable and inspiring. Ten songs, including such classics by Antonio Carlos Jobim as "Corcovado" and "Desafinado," are elegantly performed alongside two of Luiz Bonfá's Brazilian jazz masterpieces titled "Manha de Carnival" and "Gentle Rain." The ensemble presents these great songs as a medley on this program. D'Rivera's mastery of the clarinet is a sonic joy on "Meu Amigo." He provides spirited accompaniment to the New York Voices' four-part harmony with high-quality improvisation. Additional highlights include Claudio Roditi's composition "Red on Red," which has become a standard in the Brazilian jazz repertoire. Whether leading his own ensembles or playing with renowned jazz masters, Paquito D'Rivera continues to make a decidedly fresh imprint on Latin and Brazilian jazz. by Paula Edelstein
Tracklist :
1     Corcovado 7:27
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Gene Lees
2     One for Tom 5:04
Paquito D'Rivera / David Samuels
3     Manha de Carnaval/Gentle Rain 5:25
Luiz Bonfá / Matt Dubey
4     Desafinado 4:52
Antônio Carlos Jobim
5     Modinha 4:28
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Kim Nazarian
6     Meu Amigo 4:06
Antônio Carlos Jobim
7     A Rá 6:53
João Donato / Caetano Veloso
8     Retrato Em Branco E Prêto 6:05
Antônio Carlos Jobim
9     Red on Red 4:08
Claudio Roditi
10     Snow Samba 5:18
Paquito D'Rivera / Claudio Roditi
Credits :
Bass – Oscar Stagnaro
Drums – Paulo Braga
Guitar, Executive Producer – Marty Ashby
Piano – Helio Alves
Saxophone, Clarinet – Paquito D'Rivera
Trombone, Producer, Engineer [Mixing Engineer] – Jay Ashby
Trumpet – Claudio Roditi
Vocals – Darmon Meader, Kim Nazarian, Lauren Kinhan, Peter Eldridge

PAQUITO D'RIVERA - Big Band Time (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Paquito D'Rivera obviously loves big-band music, and it suits him very well, both as a soloist and a writer -- it gives him a chance to bring plenty of color and crisp rhythm to his Latin sound. That he has a very strong band with him certainly helps. Frank Chastenier on piano is a standout, especially on the slow "Song for Maura," which aches with tenderness, and where D'Rivera himself shines. It's definitely a pan-Latin disc, embracing not only D'Rivera's native Cuba but also some strong touches of Brazil on "Who's Smokin'?," in addition to nods back to history, with lots of strong bop and even some of the contrapuntal melodies of Bach popping their noses over the wall here and here, courtesy of some skillful and witty arrangements. D'Rivera is never subsumed by the band, but often solos above it, mellifluous and swinging, especially on "A Lo Tristano," but with the type of silky phrasing that's long been his hallmark. He knows his jazz history, and isn't afraid to be inspired by others -- such as Al DiMeola on "Danza Caracteristica." It's a testament to D'Rivera that this is so good -- and remains thoroughly enjoyable. by Chris Nickson  
Tracklist :
1     To Brenda With Love 6:36
Paquito D'Rivera
2     Danza Caracteristica 7:55
Leo Brouwer
3     Song for Maura 7:45
Paquito D'Rivera
4     Basstronaut 6:25
Paquito D'Rivera
5     Who's Smokin'? 8:50
Paquito D'Rivera
6     Y la Negra Bailaba 7:41
Ernesto Lecuona
7     Andalucia 8:25
Ernesto Lecuona
8     A Lo Tristano 5:31
Paquito D'Rivera
9     Como un Bolero 6:24
Paquito D'Rivera
10     Annette's for Sure 4:00
Claudio Roditi
Featuring:
Claudio Roditi - Trumpet
Oscar Stagnaro - Bass
Mark Walker - Drums
Pernell Saturino - Percussion
& The WDR Big Band

TRIO DA PAZ - Brasil From The Inside (1992) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Tracklist:
1    Pedra Bonita 4:39
Mario Adnet
2    Keep the Spirits Singing 4:27
O'Donel Levy
3    Aquarela Do Brasil 3:50
Ary Barroso
4    Vera Cruz 5:06
Milton Nascimento
5    This Is for Luisa 4:52
Nilson Matta
6    Jeca's Baiao 4:40
Romero Lubambo
7    Forgive Me 4:49    
Duduka Da Fonseca / Astrud Gilberto
8    Trio da Paz 5:12
Romero Lubambo
9    Cor Do Pecado 4:14
10    Manhattan Style 5:05
Duduka Da Fonseca
11    Festa de Sao Joao 5:36
Credits
Maúcha Adnet - Vocals
Joanne Brackeen - Piano
Duduka Da Fonseca - Drums, Percussion
Romero Lubambo - Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Guitar (Synthesizer)
Herbie Mann - Flute, Flute (Alto)
Nilson Matta - Bass, Bass (Acoustic), Bass (Electric), Electric Upright Bass
Claudio Roditi - Flugelhorn, Trumpet

TRIO DA PAZ - Black Orpheus (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

No discussion of the history of Brazilian music is complete without mentioning the 1959 Brazilian film Black Orpheus, which brought attention to the music of Brazilian composers Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfá and popularized the Bonfá classics "Manha de Carnaval" and "Samba de Orfeo." The Black Orpheus soundtrack was a major source of inspiration for Stan Getz, Charlie Byrd. and other key figures in the bossa nova explosion of the early to mid-'60s, and it's also Brazilian group Trio da Paz's primary inspiration on this jazz-oriented release, which flutist Herbie Mann produced for his Kokopelli label. Consisting of guitarist Romero Lubambo, bassist Nilson Matta, and drummer Dudaka da Fonseca, Paz favors what could be called Brazilian hard bop. Though the Brazilians are quite melodic, they favor a much more intense and hard-swinging approach to the samba, and to Bonfá and Jobim's gems than Getz did in the early to mid-'60s. Subtlety and restraint characterized Getz's bossa nova, but Trio da Paz is passionately aggressive on this excellent CD. by Alex Henderson
Tracklist:
1    A Felicidade 0:58
Lyrics By – Vinicius De Moraes
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
2    Frevo 5:11    
Antônio Carlos Jobim
3    A Felicidade 7:49
Lyrics By – Vinicius De Moraes
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
4    Manha de Carnaval 4:20
Luiz Bonfá
5    O Nosso Amor 4:02
Antônio Carlos Jobim
6    Chão de Estrelas 7:38
Orestes Barbosa / Silvio Caldas
7    Samba de Orfeu 5:27    
Luiz Bonfá / Antônio Maria
8    Doña María 3:43
Duduka Da Fonseca
9    A Felicidade (vocal) 1:58
Lyrics By – Vinicius De Moraes
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
10    Manha de Carnaval 4:22
Luiz Bonfá
11    Namacumba 1:52
Naná Vasconcelos
12    Hugs & Kisses 4:20
Nilson Matta
13    Samba de Orfeo 2:41
Luiz Bonfá / Antônio Maria
Credits:
Bass – Nilson Matta
Drums, Percussion – Duduka Da Fonseca
Flute – Herbie Mann
Guitar – Romero Lubambo
Percussion – Cyro Baptista, Jorge Silva, Naná Vasconcelos
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Claudio Roditi
Vocals – Alana Da Fonseca, Geoff Mann, Maucha Adnet

CLAUDIO RODITI - Brazilliance X4 (2009) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Claudio Roditi has enjoyed a great level of consistency in his career within a Brazilian jazz format. As literate a player as there is on the trumpet and flugelhorn, Roditi's influences stemming from Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, and Freddie Hubbard are evident, but a sweet patience and virtue that he owns has been the distinctive difference. Always surrounding himself with exceptional, high-level players, on Brazilliance X 4 the band is as great as he has ever employed. Expert Brazilian drummer Duduka DaFonseca, the wonderful pianist Helio Alves, and the excellent young bassist Leonardo Cioglia provide Roditi an extraordinarily talented and cohesive group, one that hopefully can continue to be a working, touring ensemble. This is a very uniform recording all the way through, with Roditi himself virtually wasting no notes, richly rendering this music from top to bottom while featuring source material from a wide range of lesser known composers. Victor Assis Brasil's "Pro Zeca" starts the program in a hot and hip samba jazz, the astounding Alves driving Roditi's quick lyric line handing off to DaFonseca's inventive drum solo. The ultra-melodic Roditi is at his best on the clean and clear composition of Johnny Alf, "Rapaz De Bem," while taking twists and turns in a more complicated piece written by trombonist Raul DeSouza, the upbeat and bright "A Vontade Mesmo." Durval Ferreira and Lula Freire's "E Nada Mais" is the sleek, romantic selection, while João Donato and Paulo Sérgio Valle's "Quem Diz Que Sabe" cleverly modifies the quick samba rhythm while retaining a simple melodic approach. Roditi penned four pieces, including the steamy samba "Dinner by Five" with another showcase for the modal piano of Alves or DaFonseca's unpredictable drumming, and the slow ballad "Song for Nana" accented by chiming piano and Cioglia's soulful bass. The other two contributions written by Roditi are live in-concert pieces, as "Tema Para Duduka" is yet another feature where the drummer fills in the cracks between melody lines, while "Gemini Man" bubbles with excitement as the trumpeter's strutting and stretching trumpet urges the band ahead in an energetic yet effortless framework. There's also a version of the Miles Davis evergreen "Tune Up," a fluid and patient bossa nova adaptation. A collection of tunes quite easy to love, this comes very close to being a definitive modern instrumental Brazilian jazz classic, and will stand as one of, if not the very best recordings Roditi has produced during his successful and fruitful career. by Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist:
1 Pro Zeca 5:01
Written-By – Victor Assis Brasil
2 E Nada Mais 5:43
Written-By – Durval Ferreira, Lula Freire
3 A Vontade Mesmo 4:25
Written-By – Raul De Souza
4 Tune Up 4:35
Written-By – Miles Davis
5 Rapaz De Bem 5:24
Written-By – Johnny Alf
6 Dinner By Five 5:13
Written-By – Claudio Roditi
7 Song For Nana 3:59
Written-By – Claudio Roditi
8 Tema Para Duduka 10:53
Written-By – Claudio Roditi
9 Quem Diz Que Sabe 5:23
Written-By – João Donato, Paulo Sérgio Valle
10 Gemini Man 7:22
Written-By – Claudio Roditi
Credits:
Bass – Leonardo Cioglia
Drums – Duduka Da Fonseca
Flugelhorn – Claudio Roditi
Piano – Helio Alves
Trumpet – Claudio Roditi

DUDUKA DA FONSECA - Samba Jazz Fantasia (2008) APE (image+.cue), lossless

"Fantasia" aptly describes this exuberant debut by drummer/percussionist Duduka Da Fonseca. Many tracks feature him with his partners in Trio da Paz (guitarist Romero Lubambo, bassist Nilson Matta), but there's also a rotating cast of jazz heavyweights: guitarist John Scofield, trumpeters Tom Harrell and Claudio Roditi, saxophonists Joe Lovano, David Sanchez, and Billy Drewes, pianists Kenny Werner and Marc Copland, and more. The results are upbeat, melodic, and richly textured, with ample and inspired improvisations -- the above names virtually guarantee it. Da Fonseca includes three of his own compositions: the odd-metered "Partido Out," the Tyner-esque "Dona Maria" (a tour de force for Kenny Werner and Billy Drewes), and the bright finale, "Manhattan Style." There are also original entries by Scofield, Harrell, Lubambo, and Helio Alves, along with gems by Dori Caymmi, Jobim, and others. The blend of electric and acoustic guitars (courtesy of Scofield and Lubambo) on "Pro Flavio" is one of the album's many winning moments; Da Fonseca sets up the track with a two-minute "Berimbau Fantasia." Albums like these raise the creative bar for Brazilian jazz, bringing the form squarely into the new millennium. by David R. Adler
Tracklist:
1    Pardito Out 5:35
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums, Cuica – Duduka Da Fonseca
Percussion – Valtinho Anastacio
Piano – Helio Alves
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Billy Drewes
Trombone – Jay Ashby
Vocals – Alana Da Fonseca, Lisa Ono, Maucha Adnet
Written-By, Arranged By – Chico Adnet, Duduka Da Fonseca
2    Terrestris 6:26
Bass – Dennis Irwin
Drums – Duduka Da Fonseca
Percussion – Valtinho Anastacio
Piano – Dom Salvador
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Lovano
Written-By, Arranged By, Flugelhorn – Tom Harrell
3    Sco's Bossa 6:04
Acoustic Guitar – Romero Lubambo
Bass – Nilson Matta
Drums, Bells, Arranged By – Duduka Da Fonseca
Piano – Marc Copland
Tenor Saxophone – Richard Perry (2)
Vocals – Alana Da Fonseca, Lisa Ono, Maucha Adnet
Written-By, Arranged By, Guitar – John Scofield
Acoustic Guitar – Romero Lubambo
4    Bala Com Bala 5:37
Acoustic Guitar – Romero Lubambo
Arranged By [Horn], Piano – Helio Alves
Bass – Nilson Matta
Drums, Arranged By – Duduka Da Fonseca
Tenor Saxophone – David Sanchez
Written-By – João Bosco
5    Pedra Bonita 5:49
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums, Arranged By – Duduka Da Fonseca
Piano, Arranged By – Helio Alves
Written-By – Mario Adnet
6    Dona Maria 6:10
Bass – Nilson Matta
Piano – Kenny Werner
Soprano Saxophone – Billy Drewes
Vocals – Isabel Adnet Da Fonseca
Written-By, Arranged By, Drums – Duduka Da Fonseca
7    Saveiros 5:12
Acoustic Guitar, Arranged By – Romero Lubambo
Bass – Nilson Matta
Drums, Arranged By – Duduka Da Fonseca
Piano – Kenny Werner
Soprano Saxophone – Billy Drewes
Vocals – Maucha Adnet
Written-By – Dori Caymmi, Nelson Motta
8    Song For Claudio 5:44
Bass – Nilson Matta
Drums – Duduka Da Fonseca
Flugelhorn – Claudio Roditi
Tenor Saxophone – David Sanchez
Written-By, Arranged By, Piano – Helio Alves
9     Berimbau Fantasia 2:17
Written-By, Berimbau – Duduka Da Fonseca
10     Pro Flavio 8:19
Acoustic Guitar, Arranged By – Romero Lubambo
Bass – Nilson Matta
Drums, Berimbau, Caxixi, Vibraslap, Arranged By – Duduka Da Fonseca
Guitar – John Scofield
Percussion – Valtinho Anastacio
Written-By – Romero Lubambo
11     Fotografia 4:44
Bass – Nilson Matta
Drums – Duduka Da Fonseca
Flugelhorn – Tom Harrell
Lyrics By – Vinicius De Moraes
Piano, Arranged By – Alfredo Cardim
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Lovano
Vocals – Maucha Adnet
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
12     Manhattan Style 6:41
Bass – Nilson Matta
Piano – Helio Alves
Tenor Saxophone – David Sanchez
Trumpet – Claudio Roditi
Written-By, Arranged By, Drums – Duduka Da Fonseca