The great
Ron Carter
continues his intermittent love affair with Brazilian music, joined by a somewhat unlikely cast of characters. Guitarist
Bill Frisell
delivers yet another of his superb sideman performances, including a pinpoint harmonic dissection of
"Goin' Home,"
Carter
's bossa nova adaptation of
Dvorak
's
"New World Symphony."
The sonic blend of
Frisell
's guitar,
Houston Person
's tenor saxophone, and
Stephen Scott
's piano is consistently delightful, especially on the melody of
"Por-Do-Sol."
All three soloists turn in excellent performances on the three remaining
originals,
"Saudade,"
"Obrigado,"
and
"1:17 Special,"
as well as two
Luiz Bonfa
tunes from the film
Black Orpheus
,
"Manha de Carnaval"
"Samba de Orfeu."
's melody statement and solo on the latter are his only steps into the spotlight; otherwise, he remains in a rhythmic support role, along with drummer
Payton Crossley
and percussionist
Steve Kroon
.
This record could have been merely one more Latin-themed album by an American jazz musician. But creative production choices and fantastic musicianship make it artistically solid and uncommonly beautiful. ~ David R. Adler