CD Review: Antonio Adolfo "BruMa: Celebrating Milton Nascimento"

Pianist, Composer and Arranger Antonio Adolfo has released a terrific new CD, "BruMa: Celebrating Milton Nascimento".  The CD is dedicated to the compostions of talented Milton Nascimento who is  renown as one of Brazil's foremost singers-songwriters.  Adolfo has been friends with Nascimento for over 50 years and has worked with him many times over the years  He has always had the highest admiration for Nascimento's composing and singing.  Adolfo finally decided it was time to record and dedicate an album of Nascimento songs.   Adolfo had this to say about Nascimento's music, "his compositions broke traditional harmonic and rhythmic patterns, with his modalism and some odd rhythmic meters, all in a spontaneous, intuitive and natural way".  

When I first played this CD, I was intending to skip through the playlist and hear a little of each tune. However, my plan never worked out.  From the moment I started playing "BruMa" I just sat back and enjoyed every note of these great songs.  This album is so comforting, the listener can just lay back and enjoy all the songs the first time.  The compostions are remarkable thanks to Nascimento but the arrangements are just as remarkable, thanks to Antonio Adolfo.  Adolfo's approach to these wonderful songs will bring magic to the listener's ears!  The arrangements are lush, soulful and understandable.  No hidden message in this music, just beautifully arranged melodies together with interesting harmonies.

Adolfo has gathered some of Brazil's most talented musicians to assist him in recording this CD. Many of them have performed with him for years.  The CD opens with the song, "Fe Cega, Faca Amolada" which translates to "Blind Faith, Sharp Knife".  It features a fine tenor Sax solo by Marcelo Martins followed by an explosive Drum Solo by Rafael Barata.  I know you will love this  performance and I have attached a "YouTube" so you can hear it for yourself.

I have also attached a "YouTube" of one of the ballads on this CD, "Outubro" (October) that is wonderful piece of listening music.  This great Nascimento song was recorded by Wayne Shorter on his super album, "Native Dancer".  I can only say again that the music on this new CD is very special and you will enjoy every one of the nine songs.  I know it's only July but this CD would make a great present for any of your friends who love exceptional Brazilian music.  Antonio Adolfo is a remarkably multi-talented Pianist and Composer!

Players:
Antonio Adolfo- Piano, Arranging
Jesse Sodoc-Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Marcelo Martins- Alto Flute, Tenor Sax
Danilo Sinna- Alto Sax
Rafael Rocha- Trombone
Claudio Spiewak- Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion
Lula Galvao-Guitar
Leo Amuedo- Guitar
Jorge Helder- Double Bass
Rafael Barata- Drums and Percussion
Dada Costa- Percussion 

Playlist:
1. FE, CEGA, FACA, AMOLADA
2. NADA SERA COMO ANTES
3. OUTUBRO
4. CANCAO DO SAL
5. ENCONTROS E DESPEDIDAS
6. TRES PONTAS
7. CAIS
8. CAXANGA
9. TRISTESSE

CD Review: John Fedchock NY Sextet, "Into The Shadows"

Brilliant Trombonist John Fedchock will be releasing his tenth album as a leader with an all-star group of musicians who make up the John Fedchock NY Sextet.  John has written 5 of the 8 songs on his new CD, "Into The Shadows", solos on many of them and did all the arranging.  Talk about multi-talented musicians, John excells at anything he touches and this CD is no exception.  John has already had many Grammy nominations for his work with his New York Big Band but wanted to do somethhing in a  smaller format.  According to Fedchock, "Working with the sextet is the best of both worlds.  While still giving plenty of space for individual soloists, the configuration offers unique, creative writing options and maintains a sleek and mobile blend."  I totally agree!

Fedchock began his career in 1980 as Jazz Trombonist with the legendary Woody Herman Orchestra, serving as featured soloist, musical director and chief arranger for Herman's last two Grammy nominated CDs.  Herman said of Fedcock, "He's my right hand man.  Everything I ask of John he accomplishes, and I ask a lot".  Herman was noted for being a tough taskmaster and accepted nothing less than perfection from his band mates.  So this quote should be very impressive to any Jazz listener!

Take a look at the players participating on this CD.  Every one of them is a star in their own right.

Players:
John Fedchock- Trombone, Composer, Arranger
Scott Wendholt- Trumpet & Flugeorn
Walt Weiskopf- Tenor Sax
Allen Farnham- Piano
David Finck- Bass
Eric Halvorson- Drums  


Playlist:
1. "RSVP"
2. "Alpha Dog"
3. "Manaus"
4. "I Should Care"
5.  "Nature Boy"
6. "Into The Shadows"
7.  "Star Eyes"
8. "On The Edge"

This CD has 5 orginal songs composed by John Fedchock that are fresh and terrific Jazz tunes.  I have attached the first cut on the album, "RSVP" so you can hear the magical composing from John Fedchock.

The second cut is the band's take on the old chestnut, "I Should Care".  I love this recording because I think it has the feel of one of my favorite bands, The Kenton Band,   I am sure you will enjoy both selections!

CD Review: Vanderlei Pereira, and Blindfold Test, "Vision For Rhythm"

I have not published many Brazilian music reviews lately but that ends today with review a of the CD "Vision For Rhythm" from Drummer, Composer and Arranger Vanderlei Pereira.  This CD will be released on May 22, 2020 but I have attached a couple of cuts for your listening enjoyment.  Pereira has been in the U.S. for over 30 years and is considered a master of rhythms and technique.   Born in Macae Brazil, Pereira began playing Drums when he was 15.  He had an excellent high-level musical education earning a degree from the "Academia de Musica Lorenzo" in Rio de Janeiro and then performing with the prestigious "Orquestra Sinfonica Brasileira".   Sadly, Pereira inherited retinitis pigmentos aand became blind in his early thirties.  Happily, the loss of his sight did not stop Pereira's musical career.  While he could no longer work as a classical musician he concentrated on his work as a top Jazz and Samba Drummer going on to appear and record with many musical greats including Toots Thielemans, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim and Tito Puente just to name a few.

There are three Pereira originals on this CD and they clearly show Pereira's composing and playing abilities.  He is joined by a wonderful cast of players that I have listed below.  Of particular note is the vocal contribution to most of the tracks by Susan Pereira.  Her wordless vocals and scat-singing abilities add greatly to the overall sound of this CD.

Playlist:

Players:

I have attached two "YouTube" videos below, both Vanderlei Pereira originals that will give you the full favor of this terrific CD.  The first is "Ponto de Partida", (Point of Departure) and the second is "De Volta a Festa",  (Back to the Party).  If you love Brizilian music and who doesn't,  you will love the music of Vanderlei Pereira and his Band "The Blindfold Test!

                                                            "Ponto de Partida"

                                                           "De Volta a Festa"