Quartetinho
Anzic, 2022
9/10
The clarinet wizard Anat Cohen brings her inimitable skills to a more intimate affair here, where Vitor Goncalves (piano, accordion, Fender Rhodes), Tal Mashiach (bass, guitar) and James Shipp (vibraphone, percussion, glockenspiel, analog synth) are along for the world folk presence.
“Baroquen Spirit” opens the listen with a gentle chamber appeal, where the dreamy vibraphone takes focus alongside the charming percussion, and “Palhaco” follows with a soaring demeanor that allows for solos from Cohen, Goncalves, and Shipp.
In the middle, “Canon” finds a very calm place to reside with its nearly meditative movements, while “The Old Guitar” brings a moody landscape that showcases the accordion with much allure.
Near to the end, “Louisiana”, the best track, recruits. blues friendly qualities for the dynamic song craft, where the piano is especially radiant, and “Vivi & Zaco” exits with an acoustic guitar driven and very introspective finish that radiates so much timeless beauty.
A listen that’s meticulous in its timbral orchestrations, Cohen and company make for highly melodic effort where each member’s respective strengths are appreciated in yet another Brazilian music body of work from the always impressive Cohen.
Travels well with: Ron Carter- Skyline; Charles Lloyd- Vanished Gardens