Meeco: Perfume e Caricias

Portuguese for "Perfume and Caresses," Perfume e Caricias offers a relaxing and tender musical experience, perfect for those who appreciate the lighter side of jazz. Written as an intimate statement of music, the eight-song, one alternate take repertoire, has been described as "fragile and introspective" in nature. Composed and produced by German-born Michael Maier aka "Meeco," of Paris, France, the album is a joint effort with Brazilian vocalist, Eloisia, a member of the French group Nouvelle Vague, who penned the lyrics of each song.

Recorded in 2009 in New York City, Meeco—who incidentally, does not perform on the album—brings together a cast of jazz luminaries which, in and of itself, is an enticing enough reason to sample the disc. Piano great Kenny Barron accompanies legendary bassist Buster Williams in a rhythm section devoid of drums. Eddie Henderson appears on the trumpet and flugelhorn, while tenor saxophonist giant James Moody lends his talents with flute on the light and sensuous "Passaro Azul," while Vincent Herring provides an alto saxophone voice on three pieces.

The album is a jazz vocals production, with Eloisia's soft-spoken voice caressing the Portuguese lyrics of each song. Definitely not a swinging affair, the music is laidback and from the heart, designed to appeal to the lover in all of us. The opening "Cabelos ao Vento" sets the tempo for the entire session, featuring brief cushy vocals, with light support from Barron and Henderson establishing the template for album. The finale piece is an alternate take, with Herring's alto once again providing an affecting touch.

Barron is magnificent throughout, as Williams' bass work holds the group together with his background role. Henderson's horn phrases are crisp and fluid, while both Moody and Herring contribute minor but important elements to the songs on which they perform. On a critical note and perhaps more of an observation, whether intended or not, much of the music sounds alike with little variation in tempo, texture or style.