This is the Anat Cohen record I have been waiting for. She mixes some fragrant originals with Brazilian compositions by the likes of Milton Nasciment, Severino Arajo and Romero Lubambo and creates a mix of Latin, Middle East and folksy swing that is in the tradition yet all her own. Her lithe and warm tone on the clarinet oozes out on percussive tunes such as “Lilia” and “Putty Boy Strut” while Lubambo’s own classical guitar weaves wonders like a Raphael tapestry on “Cais” and “Bachiao.” Her tenor is Ben Webster breathy on the gently swinging “The Wein Machine,” while she glides through a wondrous web of accordion, 7 stringed guitar and pandeiro on the enthralling “Ternura” and “Espinha De Bacalhau.” This is not only how the clarinet is supposed to be presented, but music itself. Bravo!
Anzic Records