Modern Brazilian sounds are provided by Manu Later and his exciting team of Toninho Horta, Sandro Albert, Mark Egan, Lionel Cordew, Cliff Almond, Sachal Vassandani, Helio Alves and a large host of others on this Baker’s Dozen originals.
Lafer’s voice is rich , earnest and earthy, whether on the bluesy “Come” or the Afro-Cuban percussive “Did I Need to Repeat?” while flutes float along wordless voice on the rich “Minha Senhora.” Percussion is in abundance, flowing like rippling waters on the prancing “A Jura” and upbeat “Faz Anos” while even the popish “Passos” is warm and alluring. Nice to know there is Brazilian life beyond the Jobim songbook!