Review of Morello & Barth’s “Fim De Semana Em Eldorado”
CD: Morello and Barth
In and Out Records IO-77055-2
Guitarist Paulo Morello and saxophonist Kim Barth , both residents of Germany, decided to visit Brazil in 2001 to absorb the music of Brazil first hand. They did so in a way that allowed them more than a passing visitor’s perspective. They embedded themselves into the real life sounds and rhythms of Rio. They befriended local Carioca musicians and absorbed the MPB (Musica Popular Braslieira or post bossa nova , urban music of Brazil) scene, jamming with locals while living a few houses from the former home of Brazilian legend Antonio Carlos Jobim. Breathing in the sights and pulse that at one time influenced the master, their goal was to seamlessly meld authentic Brazilian bossa rhythm’s with jazz improvisation. By all accounts they exceeded all expectations. The two accomplished musicians were able to produce a remarkably entertaining album of fourteen songs, a mix of samba, ballads, disco-carnaval and bossa with some bop thrown in for good measure.
Barth’s saxophone is sonorous and clean and his flute is lithe and ebullient. Morello is adept at a variety of styles from traditional Brazilian acoustic, ala Baden Powell to more jazz-like creations with octave playing in the Wes Montgomery vein.
The quixotic "Pe Quebrado" with the sprite pifano flute playing of Jorge Continentino is magical and one of my favorite songs on this album.
The two pulled off an additional coupe of sorts by getting Brazilian vocal legends Johnny Alf and Alaide Costa to lend their authenticity to
“O Que e Amar” and “Chora Tua Tristeza”. Johnny’s moving vocal on his own “Fim De Semma Em Eldorado” transports you swaying to sun drenched Rio.It is especially poignant to hear Johnny sing on this album, as the eighty year old passed away just this past March. Adaide’s quivering vocal on Jobim’s “Outra Vez” is the epitome of Carioca music at its best. Barth’s flute rings true throughout.
The sensitive “Balad Pra J.” features a stirringly facile guitar introduction by Morello and a beautiful piano solo by Jermaine Landsberger. Smooth jazz fans will find the pleasurable"Songuito" easy listening, with nice octave work by Morello at the coda.
Morello and Barth, along with their accomplished sidemen, many who have played with the likes of Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil and other notables, makes this a special collection of truly inspired and entertaining music for anyone who appreciates true Brazilian music.
Musicians: Kim Barth (alto saxophone , flute); Paulo Morello ( electric and acoustic guitars, cavaquinho on track s 7 & 11); Lucio Nascimento (bass); Adriano Oliveira ( drums on tracks 1,3,5,8,10, 13 & 14) ; Fernando Pereira (drums on (drums on tracks 2, 4, 6,9, 11& 12 ); Reginaldo Vargas (percussion); Jermaine Landsberger (piano on track 8); Kiko Continentino (bass on tracks 7 & 11); Caca Colon (drums on tracks 7 & 11); Wolfgang “Lobinho” Stadler ( additional bass on track 11 );Jorge Continentino ( pifano flute on track 7). Special Guest Vocals Johnny Alf and Alaide Costa on tracks 3, 6,9 & 12.)
Recorded: Castello Studios, Rio De Janerio, Brazil November 2001
An interesting sound from some of their earlier work. Thanks for the update.
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