The timeless sounds of Brazilian music have long enchanted listeners in the United States, from the bossa nova wave of the 1960s to today’s jazz-infused interpretations. Vocalist/composer Catina DeLuna and pianist/composer/arranger Otmaro Ruíz take a fresh approach on Lado B Brazilian Project 2, exploring lesser-known gems of Brazilian song while offering inventive takes on classics.
The pair first collaborated in 2016 on the original Lado B Brazilian Project, which earned a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals despite limited promotion. DeLuna, born in São Paulo and now based in Los Angeles, gained recognition from legendary drummer Peter Erskine, who introduced her to Ruíz, a celebrated Venezuelan pianist and arranger. Their shared passion for Brazilian song and deep musical knowledge sparked a collaboration that goes beyond standard repertoire.
Rather than revisit familiar hits, DeLuna and Ruíz focused on the “lado B” of Brazilian albums—songs that are often overlooked but rich in lyrical and melodic beauty. Ruíz’s arrangements balance simplicity and complexity, leaving space for exceptional performances by guitarist Larry Koonse, bassist Edwin Livingston, Brazilian percussionist Edu Ribeiro, percussionist Gregory Beyer, and woodwind master Bob Sheppard. The duo’s inventive reinterpretations illuminate the depth and nuance of Brazilian music while retaining its heartfelt essence.
Highlights include Jobim’s “Passarim,” given cinematic motion with a background choir; Buarque’s “Mar e Lua,” featuring Carol Robbins on harp; and Caymmi’s playful “Requebre Que Eu Dou Um Doce”, with Sheppard’s clarinet and Bruno Mangueira’s guitar. The album also features duets like “Choro Das Águas” with Fabio Cadore, and a transformed rendition of Jobim’s “Águas de Março,” incorporating flute and Udu clay pot for a unique cross-cultural flair. Energetic tracks like “É Luxo Só” and “Aluvião” further showcase the duo’s dynamic approach, while the album concludes with a lively interpretation of Caymmi’s “Vatapá.”
Critics and musicians alike have praised the project. Renowned bassist Abraham Laboriel called it “a quantum leap forward in style and imagination,” and Peter Erskine described it as “the freshest-sounding music I’ve heard in years… a sense of discovery that makes it feel personal yet universal.”
Released on July 18, 2025, Lado B Brazilian Project 2 demonstrates DeLuna and Ruíz’s ability to honor Brazilian tradition while breathing new life into the repertoire. It’s a standout recording for jazz and Brazilian music enthusiasts alike, available via SunnysideRecords.com and all digital platforms.
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