It’s possible that vocalist Luciana Souza has been on more of my RINGER OF THE WEEK selection list than any other artist. The amazing thing about her is that each time she has been in a different setting, ranging from Brazilian bossa duets with guitarists to teamings with The Yellowjackets. This time around, she’s judiciously employed by leader, drummer and music director Dafnis Prieto and his team of Peter Apfelbaum/wwinds-mel-keys-perc, Martin Bejerano/p and Matt Brewer/b.
Prieto has her singing in a variety of languages, sounding fairly Joni Mitchell-ish with lovely flute and percolating percussion on the sensuous “When I Miss You” while festive in Spanish going unison with Apfelbaum’s soprano sax on the Afro Cuban “Guajira En Sol”. With melodica, Souza is lovely and gentle for “Bris” while Souza supplies vocal percussion herself on the frisky “To The Concert” while she’s passionate on the spartan “Sueno De Amor” with Bejerano’s piano. The band itself is assertive and festive with Prieto in charge on “Guajira En Lu” while galloping on “Houve Um Tempo”. Both artists are creating catalogues that deserve second and third looks. When’s the tour?