The Brazilian Project

As I have previously stated, I love when a composer releases a record without actually playing (an instrument) on it. It usually tells me that the music and the compositions, are going to be high-quality and well appointed, Gabriel Espinosa's The Brazilian Project is no exception. As a composer, Gabriel Espinosa came up on the Bolero, Beatles, and Bossa (what a wonderful combination,) but his music is much more than that. In our (drumming) world, we make a big deal out of Brazilian drumming because the feel is so unique. But Brazilian MUSIC has made as much of a contribution to jazz as it's drumming and drummers. Musicians like Jobim, Gilberto, Luis Bonfa, Carlos Lyra, Sergio Mendes, and Hermeto Pascoal are musical geniuses who we American musicians need to pay more attention. All of the aforementioned influence (and more) is right here for the taking and enjoyment. This recording is a small, big band made up of entirely Brazilian musicians, and I think this creates, and adds to, the overall vibe of the music and the record. To say that groove reigns supreme, would negate the enjoyable compositions and arrangements, but the groove is equally as deep as the music. Listen to the lush saxophone section arrangements and lines on "Fe." Drummer Renato Rocha gets some opportunity to stretch on "Mi Jarana." The intertwining lines of "Euro 12" and "Nuevos Horizontes" are beautiful. The string arrangement of "Paz" is simply breathtaking as is Rafael Barata's groove. Renato Rocha's relaxed Bossa groove on "Encuenitro Maya" creates a happy feel to compliment a catchy melody that will make everyone smile. Gabriel Espinosa's The Brazilian Project is a splendid recording, and hopefully there is much more to come from this wonderful composer.