Record Reviews

FELIPE AVILA ~ BEATLES BRASIL EDITIO PRINCEPS 99 (Barcode: 7898901556992) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 2nd album by Brazilian Jazz-Rock guitarist Felipe AvilaFind albums by this artist (member of the excellent group PercussônicaFind albums by this artist), featuring 12 compositions by John LennonFind albums by this artist & Paul McCartneyFind albums by this artist. The songs are treated as instrumental pieces by this expert guitar player and his friends in a very particular Brazilian / jazzy mood. The selections go from the well-known classics to more obscure songs from the BeatlesFind albums by this artist songbook. The treatment of Beatles material is often very superficial and borders on trivial, but that is certainly not the case. All of the participants are excellent musicians and the clever arrangements and superb musicianship create a most pleasantly surprising album of much content and value. Fans of Brazilian music will of course be delighted.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

FELIPE AVILA ~ QUASE TUDO EDITIO PRINCEPS 96 (Barcode: 7898901556961) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2008 Released: 2008 3rd album by Brazilian guitarist Felipe AvilaFind albums by this artist (member of the excellent group PercussônicaFind albums by this artist), who explores his own compositions this time, accompanied by an excellent group of fellow Brazilian musicians, including keyboardist Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Vinicius DorinFind albums by this artist, drummer NenêFind albums by this artist and many other great players. The music is very diverse, moving between straight-forward Jazz (with Brazilian flavor of course), atmospheric pieces and even freely improvised passages, all very elegantly performed and consistently absorbing. This is undoubtedly Avila´s best effort so far and a superb example of contemporary Jazz-World Fusion, which is by far the most interesting facet of modern Jazz these days. This music is uplifting and energetic, but always carefully held back before it becomes to obviously folkloristic, definitely not an easy task. For listeners, who enjoy cross-cultural excursions, this is a gem well worth investigating. Recommended!

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LELO NAZARIO ~ AFRICASIAMERICA EDITIO PRINCEPS 10 (Barcode: 7898901556107) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 5th album by Brazilian keyboards player Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist, one of the pioneers of Brazilian jazz and fusion. As the album’s title suggests, Nazario combines rhythmic influences from a variety of ethnic sources into his jazz / fusion compositions, often creating polyrhythmic backgrounds for his beautiful compositions. The album follows the path set by Nazario’s previous album and although recorded eight years later, it is a natural follow up to the approach developed earlier. He is a superb instrumentalist and even more importantly an amazing composer, always full of surprises and able to create a wide range of emotions in his music. Surrounded and supported by the most talented players on the contemporary Brazilian jazz / fusion scene (Teco CardosoFind albums by this artist – flute and saxes, Felipe AvilaFind albums by this artist – guitar and others) Nazario manages to reach the highest levels of expression for his music. I particularly enjoyed his performances on the electric piano, which remind me fondly of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist’s glory days with Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist. This is a great example of how great jazz / fusion music is created outside of the commonly accepted path set mostly by US players. Most warmly recommended and an assured eye (ear) opener!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

PERCUSSÔNICA ~ HOJE EDITIO PRINCEPS 05 (Barcode: 7898901556053) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1998 - 2002 Released: 2003 Excellent album by Brazilian trio PercussônicaFind albums by this artist, which plays a very special brand of fusion, based on the South American rhythms and using a plethora of percussion instruments from the region. The music was recorded live at two concerts in 1998 and 2002 with superb sound quality. The trio (Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist – drums & percussion, Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist – keyboards and Felipe AvilaFind albums by this artist – guitar) play with passion and outstanding musicianship, soaring through complex polyrhythmic and highly energetic composition with ease and elegance. For listeners familiar with the work of Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist and Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist – Brazilian Masters who introduced the wonders of Brazilian jazz music to the Western world – this is an excellent opportunity to get exposed to the younger generation of Brazilian musicians. I truly enjoyed every minute of this album.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend