Quarteto Brasil
is made up of four veteran Brazilian musicians, with a fifth as an added guest on several tracks. Led by pianist
Cristovao Bastos
, who also wrote and arranged most of the compositions played on the session, the group includes saxophonist
Ze Canuto
(who plays soprano and alto), bassist
Bororo
(listed as an acoustic bassist, though it sounds like he's using an electric bass), drummer
Jurim Moreira
and percussionist
Marcalzinho
. This disc is not typical
bossa nova
, as the musicians are very forward thinking and take plenty of chances, especially in
Bastos
' engaging
"Subdindo a Rocinha."
The one selection written by a North American is
Dave Brubeck
's early-'60s piece
"Bossa Nova U.S.A."
which the band plays in a rather sensual, subdued fashion, a good bit slower that its composer, featuring
Canuto
's magical soprano sax and an inspired solo by the leader. The lack of liner notes is a bit frustrating, as most listeners will want to learn more about these talented Brazilian musicians, who are likely new names to
jazz
fans in the Northern Hemisphere. ~ Ken Dryden