Record Reviews
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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 |
  | 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 |
  | PÉ ANTE PÉ ~ IMAGENS DO INCONSCIENTE / PÉ ANTE PÉ
EDITIO PRINCEPS 07 (Barcode: 7898901556077) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion
Recorded: 1980 - 1982 Released: 2005
This is a reissue of the only two albums recorded by the legendary Brazilian Jazz / Fusion group Pé Ante PéFind albums by this artist, originating from Sao Paulo. The eponymous debut album was recorded in an octet setting in 1980 and the sophomore release was recorded a couple of years later in a quintet setting. Together with bands like Divina IncrencaFind albums by this artist, Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, Pau BrasilFind albums by this artist and a few others they were the pioneers of the new instrumental music in their country. The core of the group consisted of pianist Homero LotitoFind albums by this artist, drummer Caito MarcondesFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Teco CardosoFind albums by this artist and guitarist Jarbas BarbosaFind albums by this artist, who play on both albums. All the music was original, composed by the members of the group, with Lotito contributing the majority of the compositions.
The music, as expected, offers a wonderful amalgam of beautiful melodies and typical Brazilian rhythmic patterns, which although well advanced and complex, sounds perfectly enjoyable throughout. All the musicians involved offer high proficiency and palpable dedication, often willing to explore less obvious territory.
Although Brazil was always a highly musical country, such advanced and unusual music was entirely novel and pioneering at the time, offering a glimpse of Jazz avant garde approach, which arrived in Brazil a couple of decades after it was explored in US and in Europe, quite similar to Progressive Rock, which also blossomed in South America about two decades after its hay days in Europe.
This music sound remarkably fresh and astute today, almost four decades after it was recorded, which of course means that it lost nothing of its original ingenuity and aesthetic values. Obviously it is a remarkable piece of Brazilian music history, but this reissue is also in extremely high demand by record collectors worldwide (not to mention the original LPs, which reach astronomical sums in the collectors´ circles).
Overall this is a true gem of Brazilian / South American Jazz / Fusion, which deserves an honorable place in any serious record collection. Highly recommended!
| | Updated: 16/02/2019Posted: 16/02/2019 | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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