Esquina de Sao Paulo
Zoho, 2021
8/10
Listen to Esquina de Sao Paulo
A collaboration of 2 very respected and accomplished artists, Danilo Brito brings his mandolin and João Luiz brings his guitar to these romantic and heartfelt compositions.
“Gargalhada” opens the listen with fascinating guitar playing as the warm mandolin injects plenty of allure into the dynamic formula, and the title track follows with a calmer pace of gorgeous and light textures.
In the middle, “Salsito no Choro” unfolds with bare beauty that plucks strategically amid the grooves, while “Benzinho” flows with much culture and sophisication. “Despertar da Montanha”, the album’s best, then displays meticulous progression as the pair mix their string prowess with incredible dexterity in a tango friendly setting.
The final 2 tracks, “Perigoso” and “Chovia”, continue the strong song craft, where the former is swift and complicated, and the latter exits with much grace in a worldly sort of way.
A very inviting effort that welcomes Brazilian ideas, classical influences and a whole lot of agility, there’s both intimacy and adventurousness to be found here, as Brito and Luiz make the most of every second.
Travels well with: Arturo O’Farrill And The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra- Virtual Birdland; Nelson Riveros- The Latin Side Of Wes Montgomery