Record Reviews
17 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | AZYMUTH ~ DEMOS (1973-75) VOLUMES 1 & 2
FAR OUT 210 (Barcode: 827565062621) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1973 - 1975 Released: 2019
This is an archival album, which presents previously unreleased early recordings by the great Brazilian ensemble AzymuthFind albums by this artist, which precede their official eponymous debut album released in 1975. At that stage the ensemble was a quartet comprising of keyboardist Jose Roberto BertramiFind albums by this artist, bassist Jose Alexandre MalheirosFind albums by this artist, drummer Ivan ContiFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ariovaldo ContesiniFind albums by this artist. The album presents sixteen original compositions, mostly co-composed by Bertrami, Malheiros and Conti, and some by Bertrami.
Azymuth played a wonderful amalgam of Jazz / Funk / Samba, which proved to be extremely successful in the 1980s, when they released their albums on the US label MilestoneFind albums on this label Records, which also signed other Brazilian Jazz artist, like the couple of Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist and Flora PurimFind albums by this artist. Despite the fact than their music was popular, they offered a highly aesthetic approach to their Art and never compromised their musical principles, which resulted in a series of truly excellent albums. They also released individual solo albums over time. Bertrami sadly departed in 2012.
Although the music on this album is somewhat raw, recorded in a straightforward and simplistic studio conditions, it offers the true spirit of Azymuth’s music, which combines brilliant melodic compositions and Brazilian rhythmic magic, superbly performed by the group members. Bertrami was a sublime keyboardist and managed to squeeze absolutely everything possible form his keyboards, which considering the time-frame, sound absolutely magnificent.
The “simplicity” and straightforwardness of the music on this CD is absolutely captivating and touches on the hidden nostalgic strings, which again and again remind us that “they don’t make music like this anymore”, which in this case is even more evident than usual.
Overall, this is a marvelous album, full of brilliant music and superb performances, with an emphasis of early synthesizer and electric keyboards, which are omnipresent herein and provide a great glimpse of the music made in the early to mid-1970s, far from where “the things were happening” and yet every bit as exciting and even perhaps more exciting than most. This is a brilliant historic document of Brazilian / South American music and thanks to Far OutFind albums on this label Recordings, we have an opportunity to revisit this music again fifty years later.
| | Updated: 22/03/2023Posted: 22/03/2023 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | GEORGE DUKE ~ THE COMPLETE 1970S EPIC ALBUMS COLLECTION
SONY 886979303225 (Barcode: 886979303225) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1977 - 1979 Released: 2012
American keyboardist / composer George DukeFind albums by this artist is definitely one of the most colorful, dynamic, brilliant and versatile musical personalities on the scene. With a career spanning five decades and activities covering such diverse sub-genres as mainstream Jazz, Jazz-Rock Fusion, Rock, Funk and Jazz-World Fusion, Duke made over the years an enormous impact on the development of contemporary music.
Following a several years long association (early to mid 1970s) with the legendary German MPSFind albums on this label label, where Duke released his revolutionary early Fusion albums, he switched to the EpicFind albums on this label label (a subsidiary of ColumbiaFind albums on this label), where he recorded six albums between 1977 and 1979, all of which are included in this wonderful Box Set.
The Epic recordings reveal Duke gradually moving away from the Jazz and even Fusion roots, replacing those by Funk and other popular music influences. Only the last album in this set ("A Brazilian Love AffairFind albums with this title") is different and presents Duke as a Jazz-World Fusion artist, with an obvious affinity for Brazilian music. On that album he is supported by several famous Brazilian musicians, including vocalist Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist, percussionist Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, vocalist Flora PurimFind albums by this artist, guitarist Toninho HortaFind albums by this artist and many others, in addition to his American regulars. On all the albums he plays with an excellent group of musicians, which includes his long-time friend bassist Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist, drummer Leon Ndugu ChanclerFind albums by this artist, bassist Byron MillerFind albums by this artist, percussionist Sheila EscovedoFind albums by this artist and numerous others, including many brass players as well, which shows a clear influence of Earth, Wind & FireFind albums by this artist on Duke´s music at the time.
Duke composed all the music on these albums (with very few minor exceptions) and he also utilizes his vocals, which is the most criticized issue regarding this music. As much as these albums were successful on the US market, they were treated with disrespect and sheer detest by his European and Japanese fans, who accused him of commerciality. The problem was of course, that this music should have not been compared to or judged by the same criteria as his earlier output, which was completely different stylistically.
In retrospect this music still sounds great and lost nothing of its power and ingenuity, providing it is treated separately from Duke´s other output. The tunes are great, as are the performances, and one can´t resist the funky rhythms unless one is completely deaf or brain-dead. There are very few musicians, who display the same level of integrity and ingenuity as George Duke in everything they do over the years. He is the man and nobody can deny it!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 6 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | AIRTO MOREIRA ~ I`M FINE, HOW ARE YOU?
WARNER BROS. 081227957056 (Barcode: 081227957056) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2014
This is a reissue / remaster of an album by Brazilian drummer / percussionist / composer / bandleader Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, recorded with a large group of Brazilian and American musicians, which includes keyboardist Hugo FattorusoFind albums by this artist, guitarist Charles JohnsonFind albums by this artist, trombonist Raoul de SouzaFind albums by this artist, bassist Byron MillerFind albums by this artist, and famous guests, who play on selected tracks, like bassist Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Tom ScottFind albums by this artist, vocalist Ruben RadaFind albums by this artist or Moreira’s wife Flora PurimFind albums by this artist (who sings on one track). The album presents eight tracks, four composed or co-composed by Moreira, one composed by Purim, and three co-composed by Rada and Fattoruso.
The music is the usual wonderful amalgam of Brazilian rhythms and melodies, with a Jazzy tinge, splendidly performed by the entire crew. This album is distinctly on the lighter side of the Jazz spectrum, but nonetheless offers great musicianship and the familiar Brazilian flavor, which is always great fun to listen to. The last track, which features Pastorius, is particularly interesting to his many fans, as his playing here is absolutely stunning.
Overall, fans of Jazz-World Fusion with Brazilian flavoring should love this album, as all his other recordings, and of course he is an absolute genius as far as mixing the Brazilian elements with Jazz is concerned.
| | Updated: 06/07/2024Posted: 05/07/2024 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | AIRTO MOREIRA & FLORA PURIM ~ LIVE AT JAZZFEST BREMEN 1988
MOOSICUS 1314 (Barcode: 885513131423) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1988 Released: 2021
This is an archival album by Brazilian drummer / composer / bandleader Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist and his wife, singer / songwriter Flora PurimFind albums by this artist, recorded live with their quintet, which also included keyboardist Marcos SilvaFind albums by this artist, American saxophonist Gary MeekFind albums by this artist and bassist Robert HarrisonFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, eight of which are original compositions / songs by the quintet members and two are Brazilian standards.
Airto and Flora (separately and together) were for many years the most important representatives of Brazilian music outside of their native country and contributed immensely to the creation of the Brazilian-flavored Jazz-World Fusion, recording dozens of dazzling albums in that genre, with many of the world’s best Jazz musicians.
Airto is a brilliant drummer and percussionist and Flora is a breathtaking singer and both have been among my favorite musicians since many decades. I have had the pleasure to meet them many times of course. Therefore, any archival material released with their music is always a great joy.
This live recording catches them with an exceptionally tight quintet, which plays like clockwork, and enables everybody to show their best. Flora’s vocals are brilliant as always and the band offers great saxophone and keyboards parts and a brilliant rhythm section work, including a lengthy showcase of Airto’s solo performance.
Overall, this is a wonderful time capsule, which preserves the spirit of Brazilian Jazz-World Fusion at its best, and as such is absolutely worth being released now, despite the fact then the sound quality is somewhat muddy at times. A superb reminder of the great talent of this Royal Jazz Couple.
| | Updated: 20/03/2022Posted: 20/03/2022 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | AIRTO MOREIRA & FLORA PURIM ~ LIVE IN BERKELEY
AIRFLOW 801097003840 (Barcode: 801097003840) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1990 Released: 2012
This is an archival live recording by the Brazilian Jazz “Royal Couple” of percussionist / drummer / vocalist / bandleader Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist and his wife singer / songwriter Flora PurimFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded in a tight quintet format with bassist Gary BrownFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Helio AlvesFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Widor SantiagoFind albums by this artist. The album presents seven lengthy tracks, two of which are well known pieces associated with the couple’s stint in the Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist group led by Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist. The album offers exceptional sound quality, especially for a live recording.
With four Brazilian musicians on board, the music offers a brilliant Jazz-World Fusion tribute to Brazilian sources. Two of the tracks are trio performances, four others are full quintet performances with Purim on vocals and one is a solo piece by Airto.
Alves proves to be a brilliant pianist, truly shining in the over twenty minutes long rendition of “La Fiesta”, but his performances on all the tracks is nothing short of phenomenal. Another RTF piece “Light As A Feather” also gets a fourteen minutes’ treatment, which causes goosebumps to appear on every listener’s skin, probably even in case of deaf persons.
Although Airto and Flora recorded several live albums together, this is undoubtedly their absolute best, in every respect – the exceptional material, brilliant performances and sublime sound just all fall together perfectly.
Overall, this is a surprising reminder of how great Airto / Flora and their cohorts sounded live, which of course I have experienced in person many times, but never heard on records in such glorious manifestation. For the couple’s many fans, this is an absolute must have, a sublime mixture of Jazz and Brazilian music, which sound still absolutely gorgeous, now thirty-three years later.
| | Updated: 17/05/2023Posted: 17/05/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | AIRTO MOREIRA / FLORA PURIM / JOE FARRELL ~ THREE-WAY MIRROR
REFERENCE RECORDINGS 24 (Barcode: 030911102425) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1985 Released: 1987
This is an album by Brazilian drummer / percussionist / composer / bandleader Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, his wife vocalist Flora PurimFind albums by this artist and American saxophonist / flautist Joe FarrellFind albums by this artist, recorded with a splendid team, which includes Japanese pianist Kei AkagiFind albums by this artist, American bassists Mark EganFind albums by this artist and Randy TicoFind albums by this artist and Brazilian guitarist Jose NetoFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven composed by the musicians playing on the album and one is an arrangement of a composition by Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist. This was the last recording by Farrell, who died prematurely in 1986 at the ridiculous age of forty-eight, and the album is dedicated to him. The album offers a spectacular sound quality.
Moreira, Purim and Farrell were the core members of first incarnation of Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist’s group Return To ForeverFind albums by this artist, which recorded the two seminal albums in 1972 / 1973, the eponymous “Return To ForeverFind albums with this title” and “Light As A FeatherFind albums with this title”. The music on this album is a strong reminder of these two albums, and although it is criminally little known, it certainly deserves to stand in the same quality class.
The music offers a wonderful amalgam of Brazilian / Latin rhythms and melodies, with a strong Jazzy tinge, splendidly performed by the entire crew. The last track, dedicated to John Coltrane, is particularly interesting and features absolutely stunning performance by Farrell.
Overall, fans of Jazz-World Fusion with Brazilian flavoring should love this album, as all other recordings by Moreira, Purim and Farrell, together and separately. The Brazilian pair are absolute geniuses as far as mixing the Brazilian elements with Jazz is concerned.
| | Updated: 10/07/2024Posted: 10/07/2024 | CD 1 Audiophile Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERMETO PASCOAL ~ HERMETO
FAR OUT 07 (Barcode: 5065007965214) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2023
This is a reissue / remaster of the debut album as a leader by the Brazilian Jazz multi-instrumentalist / composer / bandleader Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, recorded in NY with some top American Jazz musicians, like woodwinds players Joe FarrellFind albums by this artist and Hubert LawsFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Thad JonesFind albums by this artist and Ernie RoyalFind albums by this artist, bassist Ron CarterFind albums by this artist and the Royal Brazilian Jazz couple: vocalist Flora PurimFind albums by this artist and drummer / percussionist Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, who moved to the US in the late 1960s, and who also co-produced the album. The album presents eight tracks, seven of which are original compositions by Hermeto Pascoal and one is by his older brother Jose Netto PascoalFind albums by this artist, all brilliantly arranged and orchestrated by Hermeto Pascoal, who plays keyboards and flute.
The music is a divine example of early Jazz-World Fusion, with brilliant and intricate orchestral arrangements, which were completely different from what the usual American Orchestral Jazz sounded like. The sophistication and wild imagination that Pascoal incorporated in his music amazed the American musicians who were exposed to it, including Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, who regarded Pascoal as a musical genius, and rightly so.
The album sounds amazingly fresh and contemporary, despite the fact that it is more than five decades old, and still offers today much to be learned from, not to mention of course an exquisite listening experience, full of sublime melodic themes, typical Brazilian touches and superb soloing by the players.
Overall, this is a true classic Jazz-World Fusion album, which deserves to be heard and remembered, and which offers exceedingly original musical approach to orchestral Jazz. It is great to see the album available again, and hopefully it will be discovered by new generations of listeners. Personally I just can’t get enough of this music, with the CD playing on “repeat” mode. Kudos to Far Out Recordings for bringing this gem back to life!
| | Updated: 22/04/2023Posted: 22/04/2023 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLORA PURIM ~ PERPETUAL EMOTION
NARADA 724385062520 (Barcode: 724385062520) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2001
This is a wonderful album by Brazilian vocalist Flora PurimFind albums by this artist, recorded with excellent musicians: American saxophonist Gary MeekFind albums by this artist, fabulous French pianist Christian JacobFind albums by this artist, American bassist Trey HenryFind albums by this artist and her husband drummer, percussionist Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist. Brazilian guitarist Oscar Castro-NevesFind albums by this artist guests on selected tracks. The album presents eleven tracks, a mixture of original songs by Purim, Airto and Meek, some Brazilian songs, two Jazz compositions by Chick CoreaFind albums by this artist and McCoy TynerFind albums by this artist and one standard.
The music is the usual mixture of Jazz and Brazilian spicing, which is an irresistible, intoxicating magic for every true Jazz lover. This album is closer to Jazz than most other albums Purim recorded earlier, which although excellent, were somewhat more Pop oriented. I personally fell in love with Flora’s singing since the day I heard her sing with Chick Corea in 1972.
She is accompanied by a great team of musicians, who swing beautifully, providing the ideal accompaniment to Purim’s warm, sensual voice. In many respects this is probably the purest Jazz recording in her discography and features some of her best original material.
Overall, this is a marvelous vocal Jazz album by one of my most loved singers, who never recorded a bad album in her life. Her recorded legacy offers many fabulous albums, all of which are definitely worth visiting, and she is one of the most important Jazz-World Fusion innovators.
| | Updated: 21/08/2023Posted: 21/08/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLORA PURIM ~ SINGS MILTON NASCIMENTO
EFA 718750636126 (Barcode: 718750636126) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2002
This is a wonderful album by Brazilian vocalist Flora PurimFind albums by this artist, dedicated to her friend the legendary Brazilian singer / songwriter Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist, one of the most important representatives both of the original Brazilian music and the Jazz-World Fusion idiom. As Purim puts it in the album´s liner notes, which tell the story of their musical encounters over the years: "This record is not a tribute to Milton, but a declaration of unconditional love". The album collects ten songs, eight of which are composed by Nascimento and two are associated with him. Purim is accompanied by a superb cast of musicians, many of which originate from Brazil, which includes keyboardist Luiz AvellarFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist Widor SantiagoFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jose NetoFind albums by this artist, bassist Gary BrownFind albums by this artist, drummer (and husband) Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist and many others. The great (and much lamented) keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist guests on one track and a brass section is featured on another track.
Purim sings in Portuguese (except for one song), which is greatly refreshing, as most of her albums feature her English lyrics, and her voice is absolutely unblemished by age; on the contrary she sounds invigorated and rejuvenated. The vocal and instrumental arrangements are absolutely delightful and the album is one great joy ride from start to finish. After being yanked out of the Brazilian music into the Jazz and Fusion worlds following her and her husband´s arrival in the US, Purim seems to be enjoying coming back to her roots on this album, which is felt immediately.
Of course the music is also about Nascimento, who is unquestionably one of the greatest songwriters in all times. His ability to amalgamate Brazilian moods and folkloristic themes with Jazz, Rock and contemporary music in general is unparalleled. He remains a pillar of fire among his contemporaries, which many have followed suit.
Purim delivers some of her most dramatic, heartfelt vocals on this album ever, including vocalese and other vocal tricks, which are beautifully captured by the recording and production of this album, turning it instantly into one of my favorite Purim albums. The overall quality and collected talents concentrated on this album are simply staggering.
Side Note: Many thanks to my friend Odd GjelsnesFind albums by this artist who has allowed me to rummage his enormous CD warehouse for hidden treasures, of which this was just one of many. The thought that this album never landed in my lap earlier makes me very sad, as it makes me realize that there must be thousands of similar albums I have missed…
| | Updated: 09/08/2016Posted: 09/08/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLORA PURIM ~ THE COMPLETE WARNER RECORDINGS
WOUNDED BIRD 2985 (Barcode: 664140298521) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 1977 - 1979 Released: 2023
This is a 2CD reissue of three studio albums by the legendary Brazilian Jazz vocalist / songwriter Flora PurimFind albums by this artist, released on Warner Bros.Find albums on this label Records in 1977, 1978 and 1979 respectively.
These albums were recorded while Purim was at the peak of her popularity in the US, and she flirts with some Smooth Jazz and Latin Jazz material, in addition to her usual Brazilian Jazz, but they are nevertheless still absolutely gorgeous. Some of the best US Jazz musicians at the time accompany her on these albums, including of course her husband drummer / percussionist Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist, bassist Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist, keyboardists George DukeFind albums by this artist and Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist and numerous others.
CD1 includes the album “Everyday, EverynightFind albums with this title”, from 1978. It presents eleven tracks. This edition adds two bonus tracks, which are outtakes from the album’s recording session.
CD2 includes the album “Nothing Will Be As It Was…TomorrowFind albums with this title”, from 1977, which presents eight tracks, and the album “Carry OnFind albums with this title”, from 1979, which presents ten tracks.
To this very day Purim is one of the most important Jazz vocalist of all time, a pioneer of the Brazilian Jazz wave that swept the world in the 1970s and a very gifted songwriter as well. She is one of my favorite vocalists and I am incredibly happy to have had the opportunity to meet her several times.
Overall, these are excellent vocal Jazz / Jazz-World Fusion albums, which are absolutely an essential addition to every Vocal Jazz collection and which lost absolutely nothing of their brilliance over time. The reissue is a most welcomed opportunity to grab a copy of the them. Purim’s many followers need no encouragement of course and many young Jazz vocalists can learn a lot from these recordings. Sublime stuff!
| | Updated: 21/10/2023Posted: 21/10/2023 | CD 2 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | SANTANA ~ BARBOLETTA
COLUMBIA 474685 (Barcode: 5099747468520) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1974 Released: 1995
7th album, featuring the SantanaFind albums by this artist Mk. II lineup with some distinguished guests like Brazilian percussionist Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist and his wife the singer Flora PurimFind albums by this artist, and bass player Stanley ClarkeFind albums by this artist. The great bass player Doug RauchFind albums by this artist, who was responsible for the band’s pulsating rhythms, departed to be replaced by original Santana member David BrownFind albums by this artist. The album has a strong Brazilian feel mainly due to the presence of Airto and Flora and their version of Dorival CaymmiFind albums by this artist’s “Promise Of A Fisherman” is truly wonderful. Santana plays with confidence and his usual flair with Tom CosterFind albums by this artist’s keyboards filling in and him soloing occasionally, mostly on electric piano. This is a great Fusion album, which stands the test of time beautifully. Unfortunately this was the last of the “great” Santana albums. When Santana’s album sales started to show lower then usual figures, ColumbiaFind albums on this label executives pressured Carlos SantanaFind albums by this artist to return to a more commercial output, and he eventually caved in. The remainder of the band’s output, although always full of brilliant moments, was to be haunted of sales potential (rather than musical) considerations. Carlos remains of course one of the greatest guitar players ever and his recorded legacy up to this album is an everlasting testimony to the greatness of the era.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | UPPER AUSTRIAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA ~ BRAZILIAN WORLD MUSIC PROJECT
ATS 0967 (Barcode: 9005216009671) ~ AUSTRIA ~ Big Band Jazz
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021
This is an album by the Upper Austrian Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, led by saxophonist / composer Christian MaurerFind albums by this artist and including many excellent Austrian Jazz musicians like trombonist Robert BachnerFind albums by this artist, pianist Helmar HillFind albums by this artist and others. The UAJO albums present usually either a concept or special guest, and in this case both, as the music is dedicated to Jazz interpretations of Brazilian Music and the special guests are Brazilian drummer / composer Fernando PaivaFind albums by this artist and vocalist Verena LoipetsbergerFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original compositions, five composed by Paiva and arranged by UAJO members, four composed and arranged by UAJO members and one composed and arranged by Anna MaurerFind albums by this artist, Christian’s daughter and a gifted pianist / composer.
The music, although full of familiar Latin / Brazilian rhythms and melodies, sounds quite unusual due to the Big Band arrangements and Jazz accents, which are pretty rare as far as Brazilian Jazz is concerned. The orchestra plays, as usual, brilliantly and the vocalese parts by Loipetsberger add another layer of sound, which takes the music away for the standard Brazilian Jazz. Of course Flora PurimFind albums by this artist, Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist and Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist come to mind immediately, but the European tinge is well mixed within the music and takes it apart from what the Brazilian Jazz fans are used to, which is a great fun.
Overall, this is a great piece of music, which unusually combines the Latin accents with the Big Band sound, creating a surprising amalgam of European Big Band Jazz and Brazilian elements. The UAJO is definitely one of my favorite European Jazz Big Bands and their versatility and superb paying, intricate arrangements and dedication to the music are apparent here, as on all their recordings, all of which are worth exploring. Well done!
| | Updated: 16/09/2021Posted: 16/09/2021 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
|
