CD Review: Ivan Lins, "My Heart Speaks"

 

If you have never heard of Ivan Lins before, get ready to meet one of the most treasured and recorded Brazilian composers in the world.  The promo information about Ivan Lins described him as a world-class Melodist.  I looked up the word, melodist, and its described as "a composer of melodies".  In my opinion, this definition falls short for Lins because Ivan Lins' melodies are sophisticated and lush and reflect on his heros Carlos Lyra and Jobim.  

If you love Brazilian music, this CD will instantly become one of your go to albums.  There are 11 stuningly beautiful  Ivan Lins songs on "My Heart Speaks" backed by the 91 piece Symphony of Tblisi, capital of the Republic of Georgia.  "My Heart Speaks" was released on September 15, 2023 and features Jazz Vocal icons Dianne Reeves and Jane Monheit,  rising Star Singer Tawanda and Trumpeter Randy Brecker.  Ivan Lins has recorded nearly 50 albums since 1970 and has won four Latin Grammy Awards.

This CD was released by Resonance Records and its founder, George Klabin.  Resonance Records specializes in publishing previouly released recordings by Jazz icons, and they deserve recognition for their efforts advancing the cause of Jazz.

Ivan Lins has brought in Los Angeles-based Composer and Arranger Kuno Schmid to write all the orchestral charts and they are all a perfect fit for Lins' compositions.  Lins' core band on this album included  Josh Nelson on piano.  Nelson's playing has been described as lyrical, harmonically rich, and elegant in DownBeat and his performance on this CD validates this praise.  The Guitarist was Uruguayan Leo Amuedo who has played along side Lins for over a decade. Cuban Carlitos Del Puerto was on Bass. He founded the Grammy-winning Latin band, Irakere. 

I have attached two "YouTude" videos for your listening pleasure.  The first is the title tune from this CD, "The Heart Speaks" (Antes e Depois" that is perfomed with guest Jazz Vocalist, Dianne Reeves. This song was first recorded instrumentally in 1995 by Trumpeter Terence Blanchard on his album of Lins' songs.

The second "YouTube" is the tune "I'm Not Alone" performed by the young and very talented Tawanda.  In 2022, Tawanda was the winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition.  She is a wonderful Jazz singer who I am sure we will hear much more of in the near future.  The English lyric for this song was written by Oscar and Grammy winner, Will Jennings who wrote the lyric for "Up Where We Belong" and "My Heart Will Go On".   

                                                         "The Heart Speaks" (Antes e Depois)

                                                            "I'm Not Alone"   (Anjo de Mim)

PLAYLIST:

1. Renata Maria

2. The Heart Speaks 

3. Nao Ha Porque

4. I'm Not Alone

5. Congada Blues

6. E Isso Acontece

7. Easy Going

8. Corpos

9. Missing Miles

10. Rio

11. Nada Sem Voce

PLAYERS:

Ivan Lins- Composer, background singing

Kuno Schmid- All Arrangements

The Tblisi Symphony Orchestra

Josh Nelson- Piano

Leo Amuedo- Guitar

Carlitos Del Puerto- Bass

Mauricio Zottarelli- Drums and Percussion

SPECIAL GUESTS:

Dianne Reeves

Jane Monheit

Tawanda

Randy Brecker

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