Águas Brasileiras
Zoho, 2020
9/10
The Brazilian Trio, i.e. Helio Alves, Nilson Matta and Duduka Da Fonseca, return with their esteemed Brazilian music meet jazz ideas as this 3rd album that is just as impressive as their previous, Grammy nominated work.
“Maucha Na Praia” starts the listen with Alves’ piano acrobatics aligning with Fonseca’s brisk drumming as Matta anchors the lively jazz opener with his deft bass, and “Sampa 67” follows with thick basslines interacting splendidly with the warm keys in the dizzying display of cultured rhythm.
In the middle, ‘Aninha” flows with grace in its sublime balladry with keys being the focus, while “Baden” benefits from frisky bass plucking as the percussion creates ambience amid the classical nods in attendance. “Asa Branca/Baiao”, one of the record’s best, then leads with arco bass as polyrhythms populate the unpredictable landscape that even offers a drum solo.
“Manhattan Style” and “Vila Madalena” bookend the affair, where the former is a quick paced samba that’s on par with the hectic pace of the city it’s named after, and the latter, dedicated to Sao Paulo, where Alves is from, shines bright as the trio work together synergistically with both precision and playfulness.
Certainly leaders in the area of Latin jazz, the 3 artists work together as one soul on this fascinating, spellbinding experience that just might be their best work to date.
Travels well with: Carla Campopiano- Chicago/Buenos Aires Connections Vol. II; Julio Botti- Pure Tango