CD Review: Luisa Maita's 'Fio Da Memoria'

Luisa Maita
Fio Da Memoria
Cumbancha

Brazil's Luisa Maita is not new to the world music scene with a few previously-released albums to her name over the last several years. On Fio Da Memoria, Luisa continues in her bossa nova, samba, and contemporary music stylings with some of the best stuff to date. One of the few English songs on the recording, "Around You," is an especially intriguing and catchy song that employs a berimbau-like tone with seductive hooks and breathy vocals for a truly enjoyable experience. The light guitar and percussion work on the jazz-tinged "Ole," suggests the sound of a 1970's James Bond film soundtrack. Luisa's great vocals match the equally-great instrumentation. Each track is different, but sports her characteristic breathy vocal delivery. Fans of Brazilian music with a contemporary edge and classic ambiance will love Luisa's latest offering. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Complicated Animals' 'In This Game'

Complicated Animals
In This Game
Socialite Fiasco Music

Monica da Silva and Chad Alger are the duo, Complicated Animals, with a unique musical genre that is aptly-titled, Indie Nova. It is taken from classic, Brazilian pop and bossa nova sounds with a blend of folk full of poignant and celebratory tunings perfect for a relaxing evening on a beach of your choice. There are even French folk leanings without the French vocals or lyrics. Though, running around seventeen-minutes in length, the album is not going to last very long. Luckily, each song is unique and catchy in their own ways, which make listening very enjoyable. "O Que Passou" and "Sempre Aqui" are the only songs in Portuguese, while the other four tracks are in English. The music foundation includes bass, guitar, drums, keyboards, and other instruments that form a folksy sound that is more folk than Brazilian. "Roadmap" and "O Que Passou" are two very catchy tunes that will be stuck in your head for the better part of a day, or even longer if you put it on repeat (which you will). A great little album. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Phil Chester Group's 'Open Door Samba'

Phil Chester Group
Open Door Samba
Self-Release

The very talented composer, arranger, saxophonist, and band-leader, Phil Chester, creates a moving instrumental album of jazzy concoctions with a good dose of South American grooves, American sensibilities, and cheery Latin arrangements for a rousing and inventive result. The music is bouncy, meditative, dance-friendly, and soothing. The multi-factoral musical feelings are related to the diverse instrumental abilities of the group, as well as the tempo, rhythm, and melodies. Phil Chester is joined by Bob Quarant on piano, Ian Froman on drums, Leo Huppert & Joe Fitzgerald on bass, Katie Jacoby on violin, and Tomas Ulrich on cello. The fluttering sax sounds are emotive and display a blend of bluesy urgency and a happy beach day. The somewhat classical undertones are a perfect accompaniment to the bossa nova, samba, and South American-tinged backbone. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Carol Saboya, Antonio Adolfo, and Hendrik Meurkens' 'Copa Village'

Carol Saboya, Antonio Adolfo, and Hendrik Meurkens
Copa Village
AAM Music

With decades of Brazilian musical experiences between Carol, Antonio, and Hendrik, the group knows how to bring subtle, fresh, and original musical experiences to light with their latest release honoring classic bossa nova melodies and rhythms on Copa Village. Carol's vocals are joined by Antonio's piano skills and Hendrik's harmonica and vibraphone mastery. Of course, the bass, drums, percussion, and guitars round out the instrumental line-up. The entire album glistens with South American tones and jazzy melodies. The smooth rhythms are crystalline, infectious, and celebratory with nothing awry or amiss. There are a hint of 1950's/60's sounds; especially on "The Girl From Ipanema," "Copa Village," and "Show De Bola." The eleven track release is full of exciting grooves and compositions that are perfect for lounging, relaxing, and parties. The whole release is bubbly and addictive. Get addicted today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Afro Bop Alliance's 'Angel Eyes'

Afro Bop Alliance
Angel Eyes
Zoho 

The Afro Bop Alliance is a Washington, DC-area band that showcases a wide-range of Latin jazz, salsa, bossa nova, and South American-inspired tunes on their latest release, Angel Eyes. The seductive album cover art draws in listeners by way of visual cues, but the visual quickly leads to the aural, as the sounds emanate from the album with such vivacity. The tracks are littered with infectious tunes and instruments, including the steel pan, bass, piano, drums, congas, sax, trumpet, cello, clarinet, and violin. The group enlists numerous jazz lines and Latin fusions that take on a lively life of their own. There are eleven tunes, but only two tracks include vocals: "Nature Boy" and "Minor Details." The Afro-Cuban elements are evident throughout. However, anyone with an interest in classic, Latin jazz music will love Afro Bop Alliance's Angel Eyes. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Dona Onete's 'Feitico Cabloco'

Dona Onete
Feitico Cabloco
Mais Um Discos

Flamboyant songtress of seventy-three-years-young, Dona Onete graces our present with enlightening songs highlighting the Brazilian interior. Dona incorporates a variety of traditional dance rhythms and melodies with Caribbean salsa, samba, rap, and others all rooted in the culture of Brazil. The overall sound blends a bit of mariachi-like sounds with cumbia sounds and everything in-between. Don's vibrant vocals and happy spirit shines through on all of the tracks. There are eleven luscious tracks to indulge in. The music is general enough to appeal to Latin music fans, as well as anyone interested in South American, Caribbean, or Spanish music styles. Sink your teeth into the music of Brazil's Amazonian backbone. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Antonio Adolfo's 'Rio, Choro, Jazz...'

Antonio Adolfo
Rio, Choro, Jazz...
AAM Music

The instrumental works of Brazilian pianist and composer, Ernesto Nazareth, are brilliantly showcased on nine of the ten tracks. One track is an original piece named after the album title and cleverly produced and arranged by Brazil's Antonio Adolfo. Antonio is a talented pianist, composer, arranger, and educator regarding everything related to Brazilian jazz and bossa nova. Antonio plays piano on this recording, but he is joined by Claudio Spiewak on guitars, Jorge Helder on double bass, Marcelo Martins on flute and soprano sax, and Rafael Barata/Marcos Suzano on drums/percussion. The compositions attributed to Ernesto were originally conceived in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The four to seven-minute tracks are full of Brazilian glory and exuberance with sweeping piano melodies, jingly percussion, and bossa nova/lounge jazz. The music is breezy and airy--much like a lazy afternoon on the beaches of Rio. At any rate, Antonio knows how to capture the essence of classic music in a contemporary setting. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Mario Adnet's 'Um Olhar Sobre Villa Lobos'

Mario Adnet
Um Olhar Sobre Villa Lobos
Boranda

Latin Grammy-winning composer, arranger, and performer, Mario Adnet, hails from Brazil. Mario's jazzy and classical pieces include the warmth and talent of Milton Nascimento, Edu Lobo, Monica Salmaso, Paula Santoro, Yamandu Costa, and Muiza Adnet. There are rich orchestrations that are cinematic, improvisational, and uplifting. The fourteen tracks represent a solid repertoire of Brazilian-fused classical compositions with a touch of jazz and filmic qualities to entrance every listener everywhere. The orchestrations are a definite highlight, but the vocals are also quite desirable. Fans of Brazilian classical music, jazz, bossa-nova, pop standards, and South American music should check out the nostalgic tunings and chords on Mario Adnet's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Cristina Braga's 'Samba, Jazz And Love'

Cristina Braga
Samba, Jazz And Love
Enja Records

Brazilian harpist and vocalist, Cristina Braga, employs the help of Ricardo Medeiros on double bass, Jesse Sadoc on trumpet and flugelhorn, Joca Moraes on alfaia drums and tambourine, and Arthur Dutra on vibraphone. The music is rather gentle and carefree. There are eleven tracks that are sensuous and delightful. The light percussion and breezy vocals are jazzy and bossa nova-esque. At any rate, fans of Ceu will be satisfied by the sweeping melodies and delicate rhythms. This is not particularly energetic or dance music; instead, it is more dreamy and contemplative. Every instrument seems to possess a soft, magical tone. Anyone familiar with light jazz, samba, bossa nova, folk, and Brazil pop music will find something to cheer about here. The sounds are reminiscent of 1970s Brazilian jazz music--and that is a very good thing. Don't miss out on Cristina Braga's latest release--your soul will thank you. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Women Of Brazil'

Various Artists
Women Of Brazil
Putumayo Records

The breezy and laidback samba, bossa nova, and Latin jazz of Brazil's many ethnic communities comes alive on a classic compilation of new artists and contemporary compositions. The music is characteristically Brazilian, which does not include electronic, techno, rock, or dance-type musical styles. Fans of traditional music will love the new Putumayo release. You will hear new music from Nossa Alma Canta, Graca Cunha, Clara Moreno, Flavia Coelho, Maguinha, Aline Morales, Luisa Maita, Juliana Kehl, Mart'nalia, Miriam Aida, and Miriam Maria. Anyone familiar with South American music that incorporates jazz elements and a few delicate electronic embellishments will desire the Women Of Brazil with open ears. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Domenico's 'Cine Prive'

Domenico
Cine Prive
Plug Research

Domenico's Brazilian and Italian heritage shine through on the contemporary and easy listening release, Cine Prive (Private Cinema). The sonic textures are rhythmic, nostalgic, bossa nova-inspired, and electronic without any worries of where the music can go. The music is littered with friendly little nuances that are blurby, dance-ready, trippy, and avant-garde to the hilt. The minimalist percussion and instrumentation is not a deterrent, as the vocals set the stage for engaging tracks and happy melodies that possess inner and outer beauty. The almost absurdist embellishments are relatively cohesive and pleasant throughout. This is one of the most exciting albums from Brazil I have ever come across. Own it today. Your ears will thank you. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ana Gazzola's 'Musicas E Palavras Dos Bee Gees'

Ana Gazzola
Musicas E Palavras Dos Bee Gees
Fuel

Brazilian-born and LA-based, Ana Gazzola, brings us reinterpreted songs of the famous group, Bee Gees. However, the songs are not disco here. Instead, there is a strong Brazilian pop prevalence that is smooth, jazzy, and groovy. The smooth tracks are also sung in Portuguese. These are some of the hits of the Bee Gees. Some of the tracks include, "Charade," "Emotion," "How Deep Is Your Love," "Words," and seven other songs. The original melodies are still here, but the Brazilian bossa-nova tones are overpowering, but not in a negative manner. Ana is the vocalist, but also the percussionist and sax player. Mike Clinco joins her on electric/acoustic/rhythm guitars, Antonio Sant'Anna joins in on bass guitar, Pablo Medina is on keyboards, and Ze Bruno Eisenberg is on drums. The vocals are more mature than Ceu, but equally-endearing. Anyone with an interest in Brazilian or Portuguese music will love this one. Plus, Bee Gee fans will like it, too. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Carla Hassett's 'Circulo'

Carla Hassett
Circulo
Paulista Records

Brazilian-born, Chicago-raised, and an LA-resident, Carla Hassett brings her Brazilian soul and sensual attributes to her new work, Circulo. The funky, jazzy, and always melodic compositions represent a splendid work that is catchy, groovy, and modestly contemporary. The samba, bossa nova, and popular music ambiance is also inherent in the work of Ceu, but Carla's music is more structured. However, the music is still complex and richly-textured like a South American jungle. The result is an English and Portuguese concoction of sunny, breezy, and lounge-worthy tracks that could be used for a little dancing, too. Anyone interested in Brazilian popular music, jazz, bossa nova, lounge, and samba will love Carla's music. Fans of Bebel Gilberto and Ceu will love her. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Various Artists - 'Sachal Jazz: Interpretations of Jazz Standards & Bossa Nova'

Various Artists
Sachal Jazz: Interpretations of Jazz Standards & Bossa Nova
Sachal Music

The Pakistani and Indian contexts are mixed with jazz standards and South American bossa nova to create a rousing mix of mostly instrumental pieces. Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond's "Take Five" is a great, instrumental medley of South Asian proportions without losing any of its initial charm. "Desafinado" originally composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Newton Mendonca is brought to life in a laid-back, Bollywood sort of way. There is a fine sense of Brazilian charisma and ambiance throughout. Dave Grusin’s “Mountain Dance” is perfectly suited for the table and sitar. “Garota de Ipanema,” or “Girl From Ipanema,” is another Antonio Carlos Jobim track familiar to bossa nova fans everywhere. This is the first time it has been adapted for Indian music and the result is a winner. Producer Izzat Majeed does a fine job bringing together these original and jazzy standards for a new audience and culture. Fans of bossa nova and Indian music with a jazz undertone will love Sachal Music's latest addition. ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: The 'Spirit' of Lawson Rollins' Espirito

Lawson Rollins

Espirito

Infinita Records

The fiery sounds of jazzy-flamenco guitar stylings and Latin/Caribbean rhythms make Espirito all the more enjoyable. Guitarist Lawon Rollins is joined by Shahin Shahida and the producer for Ottmar Liebert, Dominic Camardella. The outstanding musical accompaniment of Flora Purim, Airto Moreira, Kayhan Kalhor, Charlie Bisharat, and Horacio El Negro Hernandez completes a truly 'world music' journey across styles, countries, and sounds. Vocalist Flora Purim adds a tropical, rumba-esque feel to the album. There is classic flamenco, bossa nova, jazz, tango, gypsy, and lounge elements throughout. The intrinsic musical abilities of all involved shine through on every track. 'Santa Lucia Waltz' is an especially endearing and moving instrumental piece. Though not a negative in my book, the instrumental tracks are somewhat reminiscient of the older music for the local forecasts on The Weather Channel. Still, Lawson and company brings a refreshing outlook to new guitar-centered music. Espirito is an album made with all the right ingredients for a delicious result. ~ Matthew Forss