Record Reviews
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  | STEPHAN KURMANN / STRINGS ~ PLAY HERMETO PASCOAL NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 725095020084) ~ SWITZERLAND ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 2006 - 2007 Released: 2008
5th album by the excellent Swiss ensemble StringsFind albums by this artist, led by bassist Stephan KurmannFind albums by this artist, which is a nonet with a Jazz quintet (saxophone, trombone, bass, drums and percussion) and a string quartet. The ensemble has a history of recording works of the highest quality, usually thematic, and this album is no exception. The entire album is dedicated to the music of the great Brazilian Master Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, whose music is featured here exclusively. The arrangements were made by a long time Pascoal´s associate musician, Jovino Santos NetoFind albums by this artist, and Pascoal himself adds a guest appearance on one track. Pascoal´s music has been always one of my big favorites, but this new approach to the music adds a completely new angle and makes it even more fascinating. This is perfect marriage between the European, African and South / North American musical traditions, mixing Classical, Jazz and Samba / Bossa at their most glorious and eloquent epiphanies. I can hardly describe the thrill this music send down my spine, I guess experiencing it is the only way to go about it. If you love challenging, intelligent, far-reaching and unusual music, do yourself a favor and grab this beauty – satisfaction guaranteed!
| | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | HERMETO PASCOAL ~ PLANETARIO DA GAVEA FAR OUT 229 (Barcode: 5065007965085) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1981 Released: 2022
This is a phenomenal archival album by legendary Brazilian Jazz multi-instrumentalist (keyboards / saxophone / flute) vocalist / composer / bandleader Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist, presenting a live recording captured at Rio de Janeiro’s Planetarium. He is accompanied by some of the best Brazilian Jazz musician, which played in his various groups over the years: saxophonist / flautist Carlos MaltaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Jovino Santos NetoFind albums by this artist, bassist Itibere ZwargFind albums by this artist and drummers / percussionists Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist, Marcio BahiaFind albums by this artist and PernambucoFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Antonio Luis de SantanaFind albums by this artist). The 2CD album presents ten original compositions, which get here an expanded treatment, in one case over half an hour in duration.
The music is the familiar magical mixture of Brazilian music, Pascoal’s brilliantly weaved melodies and Jazz improvisations, which these great musicians perform with superb skill and passion. Although the live recording is a bit rough on the edges sound wise, the enthusiasm and sheer virtuosity of these players combined with Pascoal’s music, works like a charm.
Pascoal is undoubtedly one of the most important precursors of Jazz-World Fusion and all his work over the decades is a wonderful example of the power of the genre. His talent, recognized by many fellow musicians all over the world, is a beacon of ingenuity, inventiveness and universality of music.
Overall, this album is a gift to all Jazz-World Fusion enthusiasts, saving this superb music from oblivion. Since most Pascoal’s albums are currently unavailable or extremely hard to find, this release fills a gap, not mentioning its importance as it presents several compositions that were never previously available on record. An absolute must!
| Updated: 12/08/2022Posted: 12/08/2022 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
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