...a mellifluous musical expedition led by this mature bassist, who crafts his music with utmost confidence and grace... The depth of emotion of his music is truly touching ...
Bassist and composer Gabriel Espinosa's The Brazilian Project is the realization of a lifelong devotion to the music that first stirred his imagination in the 1960s, when the sounds of Jobim, João Gilberto and Sérgio Mendes reshaped the global jazz landscape. Raised in Mexico on boleros and the Beatles, Espinosa later found in bossa nova a language of melodic grace and rhythmic subtlety that would define his artistic path through Berklee, North Texas State, and to his present home in Iowa. For his eighth solo album, his bass is set aside while his compositions are brought vividly to life by a Brazil-based nonet, with scintillating arrangements by trombonist Rafael Rocha and flugelhornist Bruno Santos. Recorded in Rio de Janeiro and enhanced by the Tallinn Studio Orchestra, the album radiates warmth, elegance, and rhythmic vitality. The Brazilian Project stands as a joyful summit in Espinosa's decades-long journey—an inspired cross-cultural collaboration that honors tradition while speaking in a fresh, contemporary voice.
"Bossa nova literally means 'new tendency' or 'new thing.' Gabriel Espinosa renews the genre with his imaginative compositions and top-class musicians." Music Web International
Track Listing:
1 Gabriela 5:13
2 Caramelo 5:41
3 Fe 4:52
4 Mi Jarana 4:30
5 Euro 12 5:02
6 Paz 5:20
7 Encuentro Maya 4:47
8 Nuevos Horizontes 5:02
9 Klavier Latino 5:38
10 Morning Breeze 4:09
All music composed by Gabriel Espinosa
(Gabriel Espinosa Music, BMI)
Arranged by:
(1-4,6,7) Rafael Rocha
(5,8-10) Bruno Santos
Performers:
Roger Rocha - alto sax, soprano sax (6,10), flute (1,3,7)
Josue Lopez - tenor sax, flute (4,5,8,10)
Daniel Freire - baritone sax
Bruno Santos - flugelhorn
Rafael Rocha - trombones
Joabe Reis - trombone (2,3,9)
Giovani Malini - acoustic guitar (9)
Andre Lopez - piano (1,2,7)
Felipe Silveira - piano (3,4,6)
Eduardo Farias - piano (5,8-10)
Hugo Maciel - electric bass
Renato Rocha - drums
Rafael Barata - drums (6)
Mafran Maracana - percussion (1,2)
(6) TALLINN STUDIO ORCHESTRA
Conducted by Maestro Kleber Augustinho da Silva
Production Info:
Produced by Gabriel Espinosa
Recorded by Roger Rocha at RB Recording Studio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Vitoria, ES)
(6) Strings recorded by Kira Malevskaia at ERR Studio, Tallinn, Estonia
Recorded 2022 to 2025
Mixed & mastered by Dave Darlington at Bass Hit Recording New York, NY
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
