Record Reviews

ALEUDA ~ OFERENDA FAR OUT 045 (Barcode: 5030094054721) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1984 Released: 2000 This is an expanded reissue of an album by Brazilian vocalist AleudaFind albums by this artist, who was discovered by the Brazilian Jazz multi-instrumentalist / composer / bandleader Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist. Pascoal produced and arranged the album, composed some of the material and plays on the album with some excellent musicians, such as bassist Zeca AssumpcaoFind albums by this artist, flautist / saxophonist Mauro SeniseFind albums by this artist and many others. The original album presented eight tracks and this reissue includes two bonus tracks, which are remixes of two tracks from the album. The music is a magical amalgam of Pop, Brazilian Folklore and Jazz, beautifully arranged by Pascoal, creating often complex musical vistas and orchestral sound. The album is an excellent example of the depth of Brazilian music, and of course the Genius of Pascoal, which are way beyond the simplistic image of Samba and Bossa Nova, which most people associate with music originating in Brazil. Aleuda has a sensuous voice and surprising range, and handles the music with ease and elegance. The players are of course all excellent, and the music flows fluently, featuring many short, but superb solos by the musicians involved. There is not a dull moment on this album, from start to finish. Overall, this is a rather obscure but excellent example of Brazilian Jazz-World Fusion, which offers a diverse collection of musical trends, brilliantly arranged and performed by some of the best Brazilian musician, all under the watchful eye / ear of Hermeto Pascoal, who is one of the greatest musical Geniuses on this planet.

Updated: 29/04/2023Posted: 29/04/2023

CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

GRUPO UM ~ MARCHA SOBRE A CIDADE EDITIO PRINCEPS 01 ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1977 - 1979 Released: 2002 This is the reissue of the debut album by legendary Brazilian Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, which was the pioneering Jazz-Rock-World Fusion ensemble in the country. The group was founded by musicians who played with legendary Brazilian figures like Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist and Egberto GismontiFind albums by this artist and consisted of brothers Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist (drums), bassist Zeca AssumpcaoFind albums by this artist, percussionist Carlinhos GoncalvesFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Mauro SeniseFind albums by this artist. This reissue presents the original album (six tracks) with two bonus tracks, one being an outtake and the other originating from the first attempt to record this album two years earlier, which features saxophonist Roberto SionFind albums by this artist. All the material is original and was composed by the ensemble members, mainly by the Nazario brothers. Stylistically the album is close to the early Weather ReportFind albums by this artist albums, but with more emphasis on the Brazilian folkloristic accents and in many respects with more freedom and space. Of course this was almost a decade after the early Weather Report albums were recorded and the influence took its time to reach Brazil, but Grupo Um really showed they can do it as good if not better and with vengeance. Some of the free form passages on this album are among the best ever in this particular idiom and in retrospect leave many contemporary ensembles way behind. Although it might sound pompous or over exaggerated, this album is an absolute classic of the Jazz-Rock-World Fusion idiom, with very few equals and in almost forty years since it was recorded there was hardly anything better recorded in this style than this album. It took me ten years to get a copy of this album (courtesy of Zé Eduardo) but it was more than worth the wait. It is an eye (ear) opener of a monumental scale and although it´s impossible to find, try to get it!

Updated: 08/08/2016Posted: 08/08/2016

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend

GRUPO UM ~ STARTING POINT FAR OUT 235 (Barcode: 5065007965344) ~ BRAZIL ~ Jazz-Rock-World Fusion Recorded: 1975 Released: 2023 This is an archival album, which presents the previously unreleased album by the great Brazilian ensemble Grupo UmFind albums by this artist, which precedes their official debut album by a several years. At that stage the ensemble was a trio comprising of brothers Lelo NazarioFind albums by this artist (keyboards) and Zé Eduardo NazarioFind albums by this artist (drums) and Zeca AssumpcaoFind albums by this artist (bass). The trio gained experience by performing as members of the band led by legendary Godfather of Brazilian Jazz Hermeto PascoalFind albums by this artist. The album presents six original compositions, four by Lelo Nazario and two by Zé Eduardo Nazario. The music is an absolutely staggering amalgam of Jazz, Fusion, Avant-Garde and Brazilian Folkloristic influences, combined in a unique way. Although the three albums Grupo Um recorded in the late 1970s and early 1980s (“Marcha Sobre A CidadeFind albums with this title” / “Reflexões Sobre A Crise Do DesejoFind albums with this title” / “A Flor De Plastico IncineradaFind albums with this title”) are all Masterpieces of Jazz-Rock-World Fusion, this album, recorded in the intimate trio setting presents some measure of creative naiveté and openness, which were quite naturally lost with time, especially the Avant-Garde / experimental touches. All three instrumentalists are obvious virtuosi already at that early stage of their careers, which of course was evident throughout their later careers. The album was released by the British Far OutFind albums on this label Recordings, a label specializing in Brazilian music, which released many superb reissues / archival releases, which are absolutely worth their weight in gold and all worth being discovered. Overall, this is a wonderful gem brought back to daylight, which offers another glimpse at the fascinating Brazilian Jazz / Fusion scene, which produced some fascinating music, which sadly is often little known outside of the native country and deserves to be heard by all fans of truly interesting music. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 19/03/2023Posted: 19/03/2023

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

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

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