In Review--He's the Bossa Nova

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Marcos Amorim, Jorge Albuquerque & Rafael Barata
Revolving Landscapes
Adventure Music

 Jorge Albuquerque (bass), Marcos Amorim (guitar) and Rafael Barata (drums), bring us a sedate Brazilian jazz and bossa nova on Revolving Landscapes. Masterful guitar, blends with creative drumming (cymbals suggests waves on a beach), and watertight bass. The trio creates an effervescent jazz-scape and with song titles such as "Waterfall," "Cloudy Day" and "New Landscape" you might guess that this is a somewhat relaxing recording.

 Often times, the playing feels understated, until you listen beneath the top layers. brings spot-on intuition to "Afternoon in Similar to Brazilian guitarist Celso Fonseca, Amorim's guitar playing possesses sensual qualities and the tracks New Landscape recall Fonseca's songs. I am also reminded of American jazz guitarist Bill Frisell and any number of ECM ambient jazz albums.

 However, while ECM's repertoire has a moody European feel to it, Revolving Landscapes reflects a sunny Brazilian signature. Often times, the playing feels understated, until you listen beneath the top layers. Barata's brings spot-on intuition to Afternoon in Hanvoy and I can see why Amorim praises the drummer in his liner notes. This worthwhile album came to me by surprise and listening to it has been delightful.

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