Description
New York based tenor saxophonist Almeida presents his brilliant Brazilian Samba jazz quartet, recorded in the nation's capital Brasília.
When Livio Almeida arrived on the New York jazz scene a few years back, we were all put on notice. There's a new Brazilian tenor saxophonist who can shred. His lights-out playing and performances undoubtedly created a stir among fellow artists and aficionados. Almeida was quickly absorbed into Arturo O'Farrill's musical crew. This is how even more began to realize and recognize the Brazilian's incredible prowess, as he began to tour with Arturo in several formations. Almeida's 2016 CD release Action and Reaction, produced by O'Farrill, received enthusiastic reviews and left listeners wanting more.
BrasÃlia Sessions isn't just more. It's one of the most remarkable Brazilian jazz albums in recent memory. It showcases Almeida as a composer, arranger, soloist, bandleader, and conceptual artist. One has come to expect stunning playing on an Almeida project, but the start-to-finish sonics of this album reveal his meticulous attention to detail. We hear ambient soundscapes, timbral contrast, legato lines, and feel-good rhythms.
'This music is deeply rooted in my Brazilian tradition. It's a synthesis of my cultural experience as a Brazilian immigrant in New York,' he said. Recorded in BrasÃlia, his hometown and Brazil's capital, the album is indeed a full circle for the maestro. Joining him are tremendous artists Misael Silvestre (keys), Daniel Castro (bass), Pedro Almeida (drums).
Sambasus begins with sounds simulating a jazz club. Welcome to Village Vanguard, Birdland, or pick your favorite spot. Almeida welcomes listeners with this song because samba is the most well-known Brazilian rhythms. This modern samba greets, prepares, and habituates listeners for what's to come. For jazz theory buffs: the suffix 'sus' refers to the suspended chords that shaped the tune's progression.
The syncopated bass intro on Partido Cerrado brings a lively vibe. Almeida composed this piece as an homage to Cerrado, a region in Eastern Brazil. -- Kabir Sehgal, producer.
Track Listing
- Sambasus
- Partido Cerrado
- Brasilia Afro Samba
- Folhas Secas
- Rocks in My Path (Pedras no caminho)
- Ditmas Avenue
- Um Girassol Da Cor Do Seu Cabelho (A Sunflower the Color of your Hair)
- Q Train Samba (Sambete de trem Q)
Additional Details
Label: Zoho
Genre: Jazz
Run Time: 53 mins
Region: 0
Release Date: 08/09/24
UPC: 880956240626