Albare Plays Jobim Vol. 2
Alfi, 2021
8/10
Listen to Albare Plays Jobim Vol. 2
The guitarist and composer Albare returns with his 2nd installment of Jobim tunes, where he handles both acoustic and electric guitar, and he’s got some exceptional help across the instrumental Latin jazz landscape that parallels the greatness of Vol. 1.
“Dindi” starts the listen with warm and elegant guitar from Albare as a backdrop of strings give the opener an orchestral slant, and “Summer Samba” follows with an upbeat and busy display of crisp drumming from Pablo Bencid as Nestor Torres’ adds flute to the dreamy atmosphere.
Near the middle, “Caminhos Cruzados” is a light and reflective album highlight where Albare’s incredible guitar work mesmerizes, while “How Insensitive” displays Ricardo Rodriquez’s playful bass work as much rhythm is present and appreciated. “Triste”, an album stand out, then recruits sweeping melodies amid a soulful spirit to the sophistication.
Close to end, the pace picks up with the dance friendly setting and Randy Brecker’s incredible flugelhorn skills on “Favela”, and the aptly titled “Meditation” exits the listen with a soothing and very moving performance of pretty melodies.
Now without his central vision faculties present, Albare plays entirely by ear, but that obviously isn’t hindering him one bit as he pays homage to Jobim’s legacy with another batch of first rate jazz sounds.
Travels well with: The Grasso-Ravita Jazz Ensemble- Jagged Spaces; Noah Bless- New York Strong- Latin Jazz!