ALBUM REVIEW / JAZZ : A Colorful Run Through Brazil : JOHN PATITUCCI, “Mistura Fina”, <i> GRP</i> ***
The bassist, long enamored with the sounds of Latin America and Africa, delivers a crafty blend of rhythms and melodies that pack plenty of Brazilian panache. The music is mainly by the leader and new, with the delightful “Assim Nao Da” the closest thing to a recognizable standard.
Mostly wordless, swaying vocals by such Brazilian singer-songwriters as Joao Bosco, Ivan Lins and Dori Caymmi light up the album. Bosco is entrancing on his three originals, his voice a sandpapery sing-speak-shout-hum that grabs a listener with its realness, its depth. The others provide fine moments, as do singers Kevyn Lettau and Carol Brandolino.
Naturally, rhythm bubbles happily here, driven by the bassist, John Beasley (keyboards) and others, including drummers Michael Shapiro and Alex Acuna. Patitucci’s lithe, undulating bass solos dapple many cuts with bright color.
Recordings are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four (excellent.)
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