Odyssey Mixtape

The Brazil native and piano, keys and synth player José Luiz Martins recruits plenty of ideas from his heritage for these 7 tracks that embrace jazz, classical and popular music sensibilities.

"Incerteza" opens with a dreamy presence, where John Lee's radiant guitar flows alongside Martins' fluid keys and Dana Hawkins' skilled drumming, and "Don't Act Like" follows with Nakama's expressive voice that suits the funk stabs and Tyrone Allen II's stunning bass prowess.

"Bloom" and "Yatra-Tá" land in the middle. The former welcomes Alex Hamburger's rich singing and Martins' bright keys for the album's best, while the latter is a frisky moment thanks to Martins' animated fingers and Hamburger's soaring flute.

The last track, "Tierra Extrana", then brings Hamburger's memorable singing back amid the unpredictable piano playing and precise rhythm section.

An effort that doesn't shy away from Brazilian harmonies and rhythm, there's also cinematic nods and fusion energy that is quite impressive and timeless.