Latin voices of joy…
Brazilian singer Claudia Villela is captured in a variety of settings for a series of concerts in California, Washington and New Mexico. The teams range from a rich septet including Jasnan Daya Singh/p, Rocardo Peixonto/g, Gary Brown/b, Paul Van Wageningen/dr, Andy Connel/sax and Michael Spiro/perc for danceable folk tunes like “Viola For a De Moda” and the dreamy samba “Taina” to delicate duets with Kenny Werner as on the gloriously intimate “Minas” A duet with Peixoto produces a haunting “Bachianas #5” while one with guitarist Jeff Buenz displays her wide range of emotions on an earthy “Negra.” Warm, alluring and passionate in all environs. How did I miss these gigs?
Clear-toned vocalist Ashley Pezzotti gives rich enunciation to a mix of originals and standards with a swinging and simpatico team of Alex Weitz/ts, Emmet Cohen/p, Bob Bruya/b and Kyle Poole/dr. She and Cohen are slinky for a slowed down “Just One Of Those Things” and spacious during “Darn That Dream” while both reflect like a lily pond on “But Not For Me.” She bears down well with Weitz on a soulful “We’ve Only Just Begun” and bounces well around Poole’s sticks on the fun and hectic “It Only Takes A Moment. Clear, clever and classy.
Rich voiced Karina Corradini gives a heartfelt tribute to the spirit and heart of saxist Zane Musa, who tragically died back in 2015. He’s included on this album, and his warm alto and tenor is a haunting dream throughout, playing a rich supporting role along with Mahesh Balasooriya/p, Christian McBride-Renee Camacho/b, Marvin “Smitty” Smith/dr, Munyungo Jackson/perc and Nolan Shaheed/tp. Corradini mixes snappy swingers with luscious Latin with deft. Her work with McBride on “You Turned the Tables On Me” is rich and resigned, while her teamwork with Musa during “All Of You” is a sensuous delight.” Her voice oozes with Musa on “If You Went Away” and is warm as the Caribbean ocean for “Tu Mi Delirio.” She swings and saunters with engaging ease.