Odyssey Mixtape

Full of spice, bristling with energy, Odyssey Mixtape plays like a party album, engaging anyone inclined who has an urge to move, if not dance. Produced by pianist/keyboard ist/composeer José Luiz Martins and flutist/vocalist Alex Hamburger, the music pops along from track to track. Its Brazilian harmonies and rhythms spread across an eclectic mix of music styles. Very radio-friendly, these seven tunes are easy on the ears with well-played originals and two
covers: Milton Nascimento's and Ronaldo Ribeiro's festive, propulsive and lyrical "Cravo e Canela" featuring Hamburger's lively flute playing, and Tania Maria's equally peppy "Yatra-Te" with more Hamburger chirping in 7/4 opposite some serious chops from Martins on piano. Call it Brazilian jazz flying across the blues with a touch of fusion, courtesy of John Lee's guitar.

"Cravo e Canela" offers some of the best loose-limbed work on Odyssey Mixtape, thanks to Hamburger's flute combined with Martins' equally inventive electric keyboard and piano and Romeir Mendez's interactive bass playing, it all reminiscent of early '70s CTI collaborations. The smooth jazz of "Bloom" might appeal to the slow-dancing set, Hamburger now singing around a more involved arrangement that features another fusion-y touch from guitarist Lee.

Hamburger returns as vocalist on the alternatively mournful, reflective 5/4 swing of "Metamorphosis," a Martins acoustic piano solo eased back in with subtle synth voicings as a kind of cushion. Hamburgers's vocals help to bring Odyssey
Mixtape to a close with "Tierra Extrana," with Martins' piano once again providing a dialog of sorts with Hamburger.