Record Reviews

NIVALDO ORNELAS ~ À TARDE / VIAGEM ATRAVÉS DE UM SONHO EDITIO PRINCEPS 13 (Barcode: 7898901556138) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz Recorded: 1980 - 1983 Released: 2007 2nd and 3rd albums by the legendary Brazilian saxophonist Nivaldo OrnelasFind albums by this artist, who is one of the most prominent players on the local scene for many years. In the 1970s Ornelas was a member in the ensembles led by Brazilian Masters Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist and Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist. He released the album À TardeFind albums with this title in France and later used some of the tracks on this album and more material to release the Brazilian version of the album called Viagem Através De Um SonhoFind albums with this title. Some 20 top Brazilian Jazz players take part in this recording and it is a true gem, with beautiful melodies and exceptional soloing. Ornelas wrote almost all the music on this album, which is firmly based in both Jazz and Brazilian music, with the flavors of coffee, Carnival, almost naked ladies and relaxed seashores, which come to mind immediately when listening to this sensuous music. To people familiar with Brazilian Jazz this is just another jewel in the crown, and people who enjoy good quality music should really discover this wonderful treasure.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

HERMETO PASCOAL ~ VIAJANDO COM O SOM FAR OUT 200 (Barcode: 5060211503535) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2017 This is a sensational archival album by the Godfather of Brazilian Jazz, multi-instrumentalist / composer / bandleader Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist. Recorded in 1976, this album remained unreleased for over forty years, only to be finally made available thanks to the fact that a copy of the original session recording was miraculously kept by keyboardist Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist. Pascoal recorded this album following his return to Brazil, after spending some time in the US playing and recording among others with Miles DavisFind albums by this artist and another Brazilian expatriate Airto MoreiraFind albums by this artist. Pascoal is accompanied by a group of young Brazilian musicians, called Grupo Vice VersaFind albums by this artist, which consists of keyboardist Lelo Nazario, his brother drummer Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Nivaldo OrnelasFind albums by this artist, Mauro SeniseFind albums by this artist and Raul MascarenhasFind albums by this artist, guitarist Toninho HortaFind albums by this artist, bassist Zeca AssumpcaoFind albums by this artist and female vocalist Aleuda ChavesFind albums by this artist. The album presents just four lengthy pieces, three of which are original compositions by Pascoal and one is an arrangement of a Brazilian folklore theme. The sound quality of the recording is exceptional and sounds as if it was recorded recently, which is truly remarkable. The extensive liner notes describe the historic circumstances of this recording session and other background information, including photographs, for which the record label is to be praised. The music is a wonderful amalgam of Jazz, World and Improvised Music, which incorporates the Jazz and Jazz-Rock idioms with the riches of Brazilian music, weaving a unique tapestry, which is typical of Pascoal´s brilliant achievements. The vigor, dynamics and enthusiasm characterizing the contributions by these young players is strongly felt, balancing Pascoal´s more lyrical and contemplative approach, again creating magnificent tension and feeling of urgency. The extensive nature of these tracks allows ample opportunity for the musicians to contribute impressive solos and both individual and group improvisations. The music is light-years ahead of its time and sounds as contemporary and exciting as the best music recorded today, which places it instantly in the "classic" category. Like all great band leaders Pascoal cultivated generations of young musicians, who later on became leaders of their own. Following this session the Nazario BrothersFind albums by this artist, Senise and Assumpcao would create the Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, the first bona fide Brazilian Jazz-Rock-World Fusion ensemble, which greatly influenced the local scene for years to come. Of course many other players in his groups over the years were about to follow a similar path. This is an absolute essential piece of history, not only of Brazilian Jazz, but of the entire Jazz-Rock-World Fusion idiom, which still plays a central role on the contemporary scene. As such it should become an integral part of every serious album collection, owned by true music connoisseurs. The fact that this music had to wait for so long to be released is a great pity, but alas at last we can all enjoy it. Essential!

Updated: 01/01/2018Posted: 01/01/2018

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend