Record Reviews
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  | 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 |
  | MARTA KARASSAWA ~ TEMPO BOM
NOT ON LABEL ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion
Recorded: 2023 Released: 2024
This is an album by Brazilian pianist Marta KarassawaFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quintet setting with excellent local musicians: trumpeter Sidmar VieiraFind albums by this artist, flautist / saxophonist Teco CardosoFind albums by this artist, German (resident in Brazil) bassist Frank HerzbergFind albums by this artist (who also produced the album) and drummer Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist, my old Friend. Three guest musician appear on selected tracks. The album presents twelve tracks, all of which are original composition by Karassawa.
The music is, as expected, a mixture of Jazz and Brazilian influences, which is one of my favorite musical idioms. The compositions are solid and offer a splendid vehicle for the quintet and guests to show their chops. The music floats seamlessly and offers a relaxed atmosphere, but without any compromises as to the quality, which results in a truly enjoyable listening experience.
Karassawa plays delicately and solos rather sparingly, leaving most of the instrumental focus to the experienced veterans accompanying her, but she provides the perfect background to her beautiful compositions and interesting arrangements. When she does play solo, she shows obvious talent.
Overall, this is a mainstream Brazilian Jazz effort, with excellent original music, splendidly performed by highly experienced legendary musicians, which is a most pleasant and entertaining display of the genre’s principles. I am looking forward to hear more from the Lady!
| | Updated: 10/05/2024Posted: 10/05/2024 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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