CD Review: Antonio Adolfo, "Love Cole Porter"

 

Renowned Pianist, Composer, Arranger Antonio Adolfo recently released his Brazilian-flavored interpretations of the music of Cole Porter.  Adolfo has released 25 albums as leader and every one of them has been inspiring!  In his new CD,  "Love Cole Porter" Antonio Adolfo has put together a big band that pays tribute to the genius of Cole Porter and adds a Brazilian flavor to Porter's beloved compositions.  Adolfo explains, "I started out by experimenting with different Cole Porter tunes on the piano, trying out different styles of Brazilian music. It took a while to bring them into my musical world and ideas".

I have reviewed several Antonio Adolfo CDs on my blog and I have to say that everything I have ever heard from him has been super good.  His Rhythms, his Arrangements, his Compositions, his choice of musicians has always been the best you can get.  Every Cole Porter song on this CD has been reimagined into a sparkling, exciting new adventure.  Antonio Adolfo is recognized internationally as a Brazilian Jazz master and for good reason; he is a brilliant musician! 

Picking a couple of cuts from "Love Cole Porter" was near impossible.  The big band sound and exciting Arrangements combined with our favorite Cole Porter makes every song on this CD a classic must-have for any Jazz collection.  After much listening I selected "Just One Of Those Things" and "Love For Sale" because I thought the Arrangements were so unique and Brazilian.  

PLAYERS:

Antonio Adolfo- Piano and Arrangements

Lula Galvao- Guitar

Jorge Helder- Double Bass

Rafael Barata- Drums, Percussion

Dada Costa- Percussion

Jesse Sadoc- Trumpet & Soprano Sax & Flute

Rafael Rocha- Trombone

Playlist:

1. Easy To Love

2. Every Time We Say Goodbye

3. I Concentrate On You

4. I Love You

5. I've Got You Under My Skin

6. Just One Of Those Things

7. Love For Sale

8. Night and Day

9. So In Love

10. You Do Something To Me.

                                                                 "Just One Of Those Things"

                                                                        "Love For Sale"

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