Octet And Originals
AAM, 2022
8/10
The always impressive multiple Grammy nominated pianist and composer Antonio Adolfo returns with an instrumental album that includes Brazilian styles like samba, baiao, bossa, partido alto, quadrilha, toada, calango, maracatu, and much more.
“Heart Of Brazil” opens the listen with much warmth from the brass, as Adolfo’s well timed keys and Rafael Barata’s skilled drumming anchor the breezy spirit, and “Boogie Baiao” follows with a swift pace of soulful horns and Ricardo Silveira’s agile guitar lines making for a American boogie meets Northeastern Brazil mashing.
Halfway through, “Pretty World” showcases Adolfo’s intimate keys amid the timeless jazz nods that are quite melodic, while “Teletema”, a romantic jazz waltz, showcases the elegant piano alongside the inviting sax playing.
The final two tracks, “Zabumbaia” and “Modern Toada”, are equally impressive, where the former meshes Adolfo’s proficient finger acrobatics and Barata’s percussive manipulation, and the latter exits with a calm, romantic demeanor that’s inspired by Bill Evans.
Adolfo has over 200 original compositions to his credit, and these cultured, harmonic and exceptional pieces that take help on brass from Jesse Sadoc (trumpet, flugelhorn), Danilo Sinna (alto sax) and Marcelo Martins (tenor sax, flute) make for a swinging and charming effort that fans of Latin jazz will adore.
Travels well with: Antonio Adolfo- Jobim Forever; Chris Standring- Wonderful World