Love Cole Porter
AAM, 2024
9/10
The Brazilian jazz legend Antonio Adolfo puts his own spin on 10 tracks by the inimitable Cole Porter, and he’s got some excellent help with him for the occasion.
The lively and flowing “Easy To Love” opens with animated brass that suits Adolfo meticulous piano amid much melody, and “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” follows with a calmer mood, where Rafael Barata’s soft drumming complements the dreaminess.
Halfway through, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” radiates tremendous warmth via the sublime keys and pretty sax playing thanks to Danilo Sinna and Marcelo Martins, while “Just One Of Those Things” is a rich album highlight that swirls with an infectious energy and benefits much from Lula Galvao’s guitar.
Close to the end, “So In Love” is indeed romantic and allows for Adolfo’s stunning piano playing to shine alongside Jorge Helder’s bass prowess, and “You Do Something To Me” exits with a bright horn presence, where the agile keys and playful rhythm section helps cultivate many grooves.
Few others will ever have a resume like Adolfo, where 25 albums as leader and 6 decades of activity welcomes this superb homage that does justice to the originals with tremendous melodies, harmonies and phrasing.
Travels well with: Antonio Adolfo- Bossa 65; Antonio Adolfo- Jobim Forever