Record Reviews
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  | 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 NenęFind 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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  | DUO NAZARIO ~ AMÁLGAMA
UTOPIA 006 ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 2013 Released: 2014
This is a fantastic album by the Brazilian Duo NazarioFind albums by this artist consisting of brothers: drummer Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist. Nazario Brothers are great pioneers on Brazilian Jazz-World Fusion, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Progressive Rock and in the past they were instrumental in creating modern Brazilian music as founders of the legendary Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, members of the group Pau BrasilFind albums by this artist and members of the groups led by the legendary Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, and more recently founders and co-leaders of the group PercussônicaFind albums by this artist. This album presents some re-workings of older material and newly composed pieces, all performed by the duo. All of the music is original and of the eleven compositions nine are by Lelo Nazario, one is by Zé Eduardo Nazario and one is co-composed by them both.
The music, as duly named in the album´s title, is an amalgam of many influences, combined with Brazilian melodic themes and Afro-Brazilian rhythmic patterns, which has been the modus operandi of the Nazario Brothers since many years. Lelo Nazario is a brilliant keyboardist and he creates multi-layered melodic themes, which always have that specific Brazilian tinge. Zé Eduardo Nazario adds his polyrhythmic percussion, which drives the music formidably and displays the rhythmic affluence of Brazilian music. Together they sound like a full ensemble, in spite of the fact that there are just two musicians behind all this kaleidoscope of sounds.
This album, like all the albums created by the Nazario Brothers, is a formidable example of multiculti music at its best. It respects the melodic and harmonic tradition of European music as much as the Brazilian rhythmic tradition and manages to combine the two in the most effective way. It is worth of being studied as a classic example of what Jazz-World Fusion is all about.
I have been following the work of the Nazario Brothers for decades and always found it to be exemplary. It is a pity they are little known outside their country, as they deserve truly a much wider recognition. For followers of Jazz-World and Jazz-Rock Fusion this album and anything else of their work one can find is absolutely worth getting. So make an effort and grab it. Thanks Zé Eduardo and Lelo for being out there!
| | Updated: 16/07/2016Posted: 16/07/2016 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRUPO UM ~ A FLOR DE PLASTICO INCINERADA
EDITIO PRINCEPS 18 (Barcode: 7898901556183) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1982 Released: 2010
This is the reissue of the third and final album by the legendary Brazilian ensemble Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, led by brothers Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist (drums). On this album the lineup also included saxophonist / flautist Teco CardosoFind albums by this artist, bassist Rodolfo StroeterFind albums by this artist and guests: clarinetist Felix WagnerFind albums by this artist and narrator Regina PortoFind albums by this artist. This remastered edition presents the original album and three bonus tracks: an excerpt, an alternate version and one previously unreleased track from the original recording session. The music is all original and was composed mostly by Lelo Nazario.
In the three years that separated the recording of this album and their groundbreaking debut "Marcha Sobre A CidadeFind albums with this title", Grupo Um progressed dramatically towards new forms of expression and much more complex melodic / harmonic structures, embracing Free Form improvisation and electronics. As a result this album is less accessible to the average Jazz listener and much more suitable for lovers of Avant-Garde and contemporary music. The transformation is truly remarkable and the new music emphasizes the desire to experiment and move beyond conventions.
A conceptual change is expressed also by the fact that one of the tracks is a solo performance on a plethora of percussive instruments, beautifully executed by Zé Eduardo Nazario and another one is a fascinating duo by Stroeter and Cardoso. The folkloristic Brazilian elements are much more subtle and mostly subdued and the music becomes much more universal and unconstrained geographically.
Only by the fourth track on the album the core quartet returns to the Jazz-Rock-World Fusion idiom, familiar from the earlier albums, but the music is much more spacey and full of irregularities and wonderful twists and turns, both melodically and rhythmically. In contrast to the age of the musicians involved, this music is deeply mature and encompasses an entire musical universe.
The fact that Grupo Um did not continue to record more albums is a great pity, but at least it contributed a trilogy of instrumental music, that changed the face of Brazilian and South American music forever, even if this remains mostly a deep secret to most music listeners in their own country and the world over. I can only recommend to the listeners to follow later recordings by the Nazario Brothers and other musicians who were involved in the Grupo Um saga, as they are all fascinating.
Of course the album remains completely untouched by time and sounds as good today as it did at the time of its recording. Essential stuff!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: 10/08/2016 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRUPO UM ~ MARCHA SOBRE A CIDADE
EDITIO PRINCEPS 01 ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1977 - 1979 Released: 2002
This is the reissue of the debut album by legendary Brazilian Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, which was the pioneering Jazz-Rock-World Fusion ensemble in the country. The group was founded by musicians who played with legendary Brazilian figures like Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist and Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist and consisted of brothers Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist (drums), bassist Zeca AssumpcaoFind albums by this artist, percussionist Carlinhos GoncalvesFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Mauro SeniseFind albums by this artist. This reissue presents the original album (six tracks) with two bonus tracks, one being an outtake and the other originating from the first attempt to record this album two years earlier, which features saxophonist Roberto SionFind albums by this artist. All the material is original and was composed by the ensemble members, mainly by the Nazario brothers.
Stylistically the album is close to the early Weather ReportFind albums by this artist albums, but with more emphasis on the Brazilian folkloristic accents and in many respects with more freedom and space. Of course this was almost a decade after the early Weather Report albums were recorded and the influence took its time to reach Brazil, but Grupo Um really showed they can do it as good if not better and with vengeance. Some of the free form passages on this album are among the best ever in this particular idiom and in retrospect leave many contemporary ensembles way behind.
Although it might sound pompous or over exaggerated, this album is an absolute classic of the Jazz-Rock-World Fusion idiom, with very few equals and in almost forty years since it was recorded there was hardly anything better recorded in this style than this album. It took me ten years to get a copy of this album (courtesy of Zé Eduardo) but it was more than worth the wait. It is an eye (ear) opener of a monumental scale and although it´s impossible to find, try to get it!
| | Updated: 08/08/2016Posted: 08/08/2016 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRUPO UM ~ STARTING POINT
FAR OUT 235 (Barcode: 5065007965344) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2023
This is an archival album, which presents the previously unreleased album by the great Brazilian ensemble Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, which precedes their official debut album by a several years. At that stage the ensemble was a trio comprising of brothers Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist (drums) and Zeca AssumpcaoFind albums by this artist (bass). The trio gained experience by performing as members of the band led by legendary Godfather of Brazilian Jazz Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, four by Lelo Nazario and two by Zé Eduardo Nazario.
The music is an absolutely staggering amalgam of Jazz, Fusion, Avant-Garde and Brazilian Folkloristic influences, combined in a unique way. Although the three albums Grupo Um recorded in the late 1970s and early 1980s (“Marcha Sobre A CidadeFind albums with this title” / “Reflexőes Sobre A Crise Do DesejoFind albums with this title” / “A Flor De Plastico IncineradaFind albums with this title”) are all Masterpieces of Jazz-Rock-World Fusion, this album, recorded in the intimate trio setting presents some measure of creative naiveté and openness, which were quite naturally lost with time, especially the Avant-Garde / experimental touches. All three instrumentalists are obvious virtuosi already at that early stage of their careers, which of course was evident throughout their later careers.
The album was released by the British Far OutFind albums on this label Recordings, a label specializing in Brazilian music, which released many superb reissues / archival releases, which are absolutely worth their weight in gold and all worth being discovered.
Overall, this is a wonderful gem brought back to daylight, which offers another glimpse at the fascinating Brazilian Jazz / Fusion scene, which produced some fascinating music, which sadly is often little known outside of the native country and deserves to be heard by all fans of truly interesting music. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 19/03/2023Posted: 19/03/2023 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | GRUPO UM ~ UMA LENDA AO VIVO
SELO SESC 0085 (Barcode: 7898444701286) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 2015 Released: 2016
This is a live recording of a reunion concert by the legendary Brazilian ensemble Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, the country´s pioneering Jazz-Rock-World Fusion outfit originally active in late 1970s and early 1980s. This reunion lineup includes four musicians associated with the original band: brothers: Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist (drums), saxophonist Mauro SeniseFind albums by this artist and multi-instrumentalist Felix WagnerFind albums by this artist. Bassist Frank HerzbergFind albums by this artist completes the lineup. The ensemble performs ten original compositions, seven of which were composed by Lalo Nazario and one each by Zé Eduardo Nazario, Zeca AssumpcaoFind albums by this artist (the original bassist not present on this recording) and Felix Wagner. Eight of the compositions originate from the three albums recorded by the group, one is a recent composition from an album by the Nazario Brothers and the composition by Wagner is previously unrecorded.
The music should be familiar to the fans of the group, but it has been completely rearranged and updated, so the similarity to the original recordings is quite limited. As usual the music is a fantastic amalgam of great melodic themes with Jazzy improvisations, Rocky rhythms and strong flavors of Brazilian folklore, creating together the unique Grupo Um phenomenon, which remains unparalleled to this very day. The ensemble remains an example of the purest form of Jazz-Rock-World Fusion, uncontaminated by commerciality and fads of fashion.
All the musicians on this album are absolute Masters of their respective instruments and having matured over time only made them stronger and more focused as improvisers and musicians. This album is full of fabulous solo parts by all the participants and the excellent recording quality turns it into an absolute gem.
Overall this album is an instant classic and I can´t imagine any serious fan of Jazz-Rock-World Fusion not wanting it desperately in their collection. Satisfaction guaranteed and big, big thanks to the Nazario Brothers for keeping this magnificent and exquisite music alive! Obrigado my Friends!
| | Updated: 13/01/2017Posted: 13/01/2017 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | LELO NAZARIO ~ “SE…”
EDITIO PRINCEPS 03 ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1987
3rd album by the superb Brazilian keyboards player Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist, who ranks among the most distinguished Brazilian musicians of the new generation. Apart from his solo work he is also a member of Brazilian groups Grupo UmFind albums by this artist and Pau BrasilFind albums by this artist. With his older brother / drummer Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist, he also leads the trio PercussônicaFind albums by this artist (see their fantastic album on this site). Lelo’s first “boss” was the legendary Brazilian musician Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, when Lelo played, alongside his brother again, in his group in the 1970’s. He is not only an extraordinary virtuoso, but also a great composer with profound understanding of jazz and contemporary classical music. This album is a true landmark of modern music, mixing jazz, electronic sounds and contemporary classical motifs with some Brazilian folklore – an irresistible stream of musical ideas brilliantly performed. All the other players on this album are superbly accomplished with deep sensitivity for this music. This edition is a release of the original LP with bonus tracks recorded in the 1990’s. I can hardly think of an album I enjoyed more than this one in a long while. A must!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | 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!
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  | LELO NAZARIO ~ SIMPLES
UTOPIA 17534 ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1995 - 1998
4th album by the outstanding Brazilian keyboards player / composer Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist. As usual, Nazario uses some of the best Brazilian musicians to help him out, including saxophonist Teco CardosoFind albums by this artist, legendary singer Marlui MirandaFind albums by this artist and American Master drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist as a guest. He composed all the music, which is excellent all the way and includes a mixture of jazz, Brazilian motifs and contemporary classical influences. This album is Nazario’s homage to many fellow musicians from Brazil and the US he admires. The atmosphere is much more relaxed and serene than what he plays on the more Jazz-Rock oriented recordings and there is much more space for his own exquisite playing to be showcased. A most enjoyable musical experience.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZÉ EDUARDO NAZARIO ~ POEMA DA GOTA SERENA E OUTROS POEMAS
EDITIO PRINCEPS 22 (Barcode: 7898901556220) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1977 - 2004 Released: 2014
This is a reissue of the debut solo album by Brazilian drummer / composer Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist entitled "Poema Da Gota SerenaFind albums with this title", remastered and expanded by a plethora of bonus material and as a result presenting a fifty years career spanning retrospective release. Most of the music on this album was composed by Zé Eduardo Nazario, except for one piece composed by his brother / keyboardist Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist and three others that are improvised pieces.
The debut solo album was recorded simultaneously with the recording of the third album by Grupo UmFind albums by this artist ("A Flor De Plastico IncineradaFind albums with this title"), of which he and his brother were members at the time. It consists of just two expanded pieces, each occupying one side of the original LP. Both are duets, first with saxophonist / flautist CacauFind albums by this artist and the second with Lelo Nazario on keyboards.
The bonus material includes unreleased recordings by Grupo Um, the duet with his brother called Duo NazarioFind albums by this artist and the group Quinteto ZenFind albums by this artist, spanning the years 1977 to 2004.
The overall level of the music is of course outstanding, as expected. The debut album is of course the most interesting material on this album both for historical / discographical reasons and the fact that it presents extremely bold ventures into Free Jazz and Improvised Music, which were completely pioneering at the time on the Brazilian scene. The Grupo Um material originates from a soundtrack the group was commissioned to create before they recorded their debut album. The Quinteto Zen material returns to the Jazz-World Fusion concept of interpretation of Brazilian music elements combined with Jazzy improvisations.
The album´s liner notes list a few dozen albums which feature Zé Eduardo Nazario contributions, including those by Brazilian legends like Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist, Milton NascimentoFind albums by this artist and many others, which obviously are evidence of his many talents. This album is therefore a much deserved tribute to his life´s achievements. People interested in Brazilian music in general and Brazilian Jazz-Rock-World Fusion in particular should find this album indispensible.
| | Updated: 12/08/2016Posted: 11/08/2016 | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERMETO PASCOAL ~ VIAJANDO COM O SOM
FAR OUT 200 (Barcode: 5060211503535) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2017
This is a sensational archival album by the Godfather of Brazilian Jazz, multi-instrumentalist / composer / bandleader Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist. Recorded in 1976, this album remained unreleased for over forty years, only to be finally made available thanks to the fact that a copy of the original session recording was miraculously kept by keyboardist Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist. Pascoal recorded this album following his return to Brazil, after spending some time in the US playing and recording among others with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and another Brazilian expatriate Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist. Pascoal is accompanied by a group of young Brazilian musicians, called Grupo Vice VersaFind albums by this artist, which consists of keyboardist Lelo Nazario, his brother drummer Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Nivaldo OrnelasFind albums by this artist, Mauro SeniseFind albums by this artist and Raul MascarenhasFind albums by this artist, guitarist Toninho HortaFind albums by this artist, bassist Zeca AssumpcaoFind albums by this artist and female vocalist Aleuda ChavesFind albums by this artist. The album presents just four lengthy pieces, three of which are original compositions by Pascoal and one is an arrangement of a Brazilian folklore theme. The sound quality of the recording is exceptional and sounds as if it was recorded recently, which is truly remarkable. The extensive liner notes describe the historic circumstances of this recording session and other background information, including photographs, for which the record label is to be praised.
The music is a wonderful amalgam of Jazz, World and Improvised Music, which incorporates the Jazz and Jazz-Rock idioms with the riches of Brazilian music, weaving a unique tapestry, which is typical of Pascoal´s brilliant achievements. The vigor, dynamics and enthusiasm characterizing the contributions by these young players is strongly felt, balancing Pascoal´s more lyrical and contemplative approach, again creating magnificent tension and feeling of urgency.
The extensive nature of these tracks allows ample opportunity for the musicians to contribute impressive solos and both individual and group improvisations. The music is light-years ahead of its time and sounds as contemporary and exciting as the best music recorded today, which places it instantly in the "classic" category.
Like all great band leaders Pascoal cultivated generations of young musicians, who later on became leaders of their own. Following this session the Nazario BrothersFind albums by this artist, Senise and Assumpcao would create the Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, the first bona fide Brazilian Jazz-Rock-World Fusion ensemble, which greatly influenced the local scene for years to come. Of course many other players in his groups over the years were about to follow a similar path.
This is an absolute essential piece of history, not only of Brazilian Jazz, but of the entire Jazz-Rock-World Fusion idiom, which still plays a central role on the contemporary scene. As such it should become an integral part of every serious album collection, owned by true music connoisseurs. The fact that this music had to wait for so long to be released is a great pity, but alas at last we can all enjoy it. Essential!
| | Updated: 01/01/2018Posted: 01/01/2018 | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | IVO PERELMAN ~ THE COMPLETE IBEJI SESSIONS
EDITIO PRINCEPS 16 (Barcode: 7898901556169) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1994 - 1996 Released: 2008
This fantastic album collects together all the material recorded by Brazilian saxophonist Ivo PerelmanFind albums by this artist for the small independent US label IbejiFind albums on this label Records, which were released on two separate albums: “Soccer LandFind albums with this title” (1994) and “Tapeba SongsFind albums with this title” (1996), adding unreleased material and celebrating Perelman´s 20th anniversary as a recording artist. Perelman is one of Brazil´s top saxophonist, and one of relatively few Avant-Garde players, who continues the tradition of and incorporates influences from Albert AylerFind albums by this artist, Archie SheppFind albums by this artist and Peter BrötzmannFind albums by this artist, among others. He is a very prolific composer and player, releasing over 30 albums, mostly in the US, where he now resides, but this music was recorded when he was still in Brazil, with many other top Brazilian Jazz artists, including brothers Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist (drums) and Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist (keyboards), presenting a wonderful amalgam of Free Jazz with strong Brazilian influences. The power of Perelman´s expression and his virtuosity are rare and deserve a much wider attention than he actually gets, a fate shared by so many visionary artists. Any Free / Avant-Garde Jazz fan will definitely have a field day with this splendid album, just give it a chance!
| | Updated: 12/04/2019Posted: | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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