ANDRE MARQUES / JOHN PATITUCCI / BRIAN BLADE - VIVA HERMETO
The music of Brazilian genius Hermeto Pascoal, turned into a sweet
set of jazzy trio numbers from Andrew Marques on piano, John Patitucci on bass,
and Brian Blade on drums! The group really hit the right sort of essence for
Hermeto's tunes – that open, fluid, yet highly rhythmic vibe that's always made
us love his songs – delivered here in a setting that's a lot more stripped-down
instrumentally than Pascoal's initial recordings, but with a vibe that's no
less compelling! Blade and Patitucci have to do a hell of a lot of work on the
set – moving around with dexterity and color that's got us appreciating their
talents in whole new ways – and on a few cuts, the group's also joined by
percussionist Rogerio Boccato. Titles include "Bebe",
"Ferragens", "Boiada", "Chorinho Pra Ele",
"Quaraquaua", "O Ovo", and "Ramos De
Girassol". ~ Dusty
Groove
MAIRA FREITAS - PIANO E BATUCADA
With a title like this, we had to check the record out – and
alongside the piano and rhythms promised in its name, the set also offers up
some especially wonderful vocals from Maira Freitas! Maira's the sister of
Mart'Nalia, and daughter of Martinho Da Vila – and shares a similar soulful
style with the rest of the family – but has a groove that's definitely all her
own! Maira plays plenty of piano on the record – and a bit of Fender Rhodes too
– and the strong use of that instrument in the lead gives the music a nicely
jazzy current – one that makes Freitas sound quite different than her sister,
with a very individual sense of phrasing and timing – which creates a very
special vibe for the album. Titles include "Gargalhada",
"Cuidado Moca", "Pousa", "Minha Festa", "Nao
Sei Sei La", "Desavisado", "Danilo Dormindo", and a
nice English language version of "Feeling Good".~ Dusty Groove
PER TEXAS JOHANSSON - DE LANGEN RULLTRAPPORNA FLEMINGEBERG
The first album we've ever heard from reedman Per Texas Johansson
as a leader – and a wonderful set that draws on all of his great work with
other groups over the years! Johansson's a real visionary here – working in a
style that resonates both with the careful sounds he can bring from his own
instrument, and in the modes of swinging modern that he's given us on other
Moserobie sessions – balanced out nicely here from track to track, with some
hard-edged numbers and more contemplative passages in the mix! The structure of
the group is great – vibes from Mattias Stahl, steel guitar from Johan
Lindstrom, and drums from Konrad Agnas – who plays with this snappingly tight
groove at some of the best moments – and Johansson blows tenor, cor anglais,
and a range of clarinets, often with a very moody sound. Fredrik Ljungkvist
joins the group on tenor on two tracks – and titles include "Narkos",
"Sormlandsleden", "Dar Du Gatt Forbi", "Bevakad Av
Tusen Vakter", "Gang", "Bilblues", "Ljud Pa
Gatan", and "Skuggan". ~ Dusty Groove
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