While Resonance Records is better known for uncovering wonderfully rare and historical recordings by the likes of Wes Montgomery and Bill Evans, it also releases new material as well, and this latest album by Eddie Daniels is a real gem.
The famed clarinetist and tenor saxist gives tribute to Brazilian legend Egberto Gismonti, supported by a rich rhythm team of Josh Nelson/p, Kevin Axt/b and Mauriciao Zottarelli/dr and augmented with strings by the Harlem Quartet.
Although Daniels has usually focused on the clarinet lately, he returns to his tenor on a handful of tunes here, and his rich vibrato glistens on the intimate duet with Nelson on “T rem Noturno” and sensuous with the band on “Tango Nova” while the strings go pizzicato on the moody “Ciranda” and the shadows go long for a moody “Agua e Vinho.”
On the licorice stick, Daniels is cheerful on the mix of percussion and subtle strings on “Loro” and slides around the chirping Bartok-like strings of “Baiao Malandro.” He’s dainty with Nelson on “Choro,” kinetic on the bopping “Folia” and prances across the floor on “Tango.” Old World moods close out the richly successful album with a yearning “Auto-Retrato,” and if Daniels and company get within 100 miles of your town with this combination, grab Uber and go!