I shudder to think what modern jazz would sound like today if it weren’t saved back in the1950s by Brazilian sounds in general and samba in particular. One of today’s best proponents of the sensuous sounds of Brazil is delivered by singer/percussionist/guitarist Nanny Assis, who teams up with Ron Carter/b, Chico Pinheiro/g, Randy Brecker/fh, Ulysses Owen/jr/dr, John Ellis/ss, Igor Butman/as, Mattan Klein/fl and a handful of guest vocalist and percussionists for a gentle mix and match of sounds and flavors.
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There are a handful of strings supplied by the St. Petersburg Studio Orchestra that create lush drapery for a glowing “No Agoa” for Nanny and Dani Assis, along with Brecker’s fragrant flugelhorn, whereas Ellis’s soprano enhances “The North Sea”. Fred Hersch guests on his Chopinesque piano along with vocalist Janis Siegel for a delicate “Proponho” while Carter and Pinheiro do wonders on “Manha De Carnaval”. Assis and flutist Mattan Klein breeze along for“ Intimate Acquaintances” and the team saunters on ”Amoromisso”. A sunset stroll of sounds.