Alfred da Rocha Viana Jr., more popularly known as Pixinguinha (1897-1973), was one of the most important Brazilian composers as well as respected sax and flute player. Mandolinist Hamilton De Holanda celebrates his music in a series of intimate solos duets and trios with the likes of Richard Galliano/acc, Odette Ernest Dias/fl, Carlos Malta/ts, Wynton Marsalis/tp along with pianists Andre Mehnari, Omar Sosa, Mario Laginha and Chucho Valdes. The result is an lyrical, delightful and cozy salute to the art of beautiful music and moods.
De Holanda’s solo excursion on “Naquele Tempo” is a lovely serenade, with “Carinhoso” creating a dreamlike weaving of sounds with tenor sax and flute. Marsalis’ horn on “Um A Zero” is a playful delight, and Galliano’s accordion takes you to a Bohemian plaza for a romantic walk at night. The duets with the various pianists range from coy sensuality with Valdes on “Lamentos” to lilting dances with Bollani on “Seu Lourenco No Vinho,” with lyrical longing on “Rosa” provided by the conversation between strings and ivories. All throughout the session, De Holanda is at his zenith, milking every note and space between them for as bel canto a delivery as possible. Tender moments throughout ooze through the airwaves here.
Adventure Music