Jim Nolet: Arco Vos

Jim Nolet finds himself in a decidedly Bossa-Nova Mood on this new Cathexis release.

Syzygy, Jim Nolet's previous Cathexis release, was a cyber cross between Nicolo Paganini and John Coltrane (the latter's "Central Park West" and "Countdown" being creatively covered by Nolet and his crack band. It was highly virtuosic and smacked of superb technique and intelligent performance. Part of Syzygy 's intelligence was a powerful internal cohesion that revolved around the near avant-guard realm in Jazz. Nolet infuses this same cohesion into his latest release, Arco Vos, this time focusing on a readily appealing Bossa Nova humor.

Arco Vos is a very interesting disc because of Nolet's mixing of viola and voices on nearly all tracks. This wonderful alchemy results in a breathy display of the arc-sensual side of Brazilian music. The effect is aurally one of cultivated sexuality, not that of humid earthiness, but of sweet essence, like fine cologne.

Two standards are included ("You don't Know What Love Is" and "Let's Get Lost"), both really breathing in Nolet's account. The almost melancholy viola is well-chosen over the violin for these pensive exercises.

I would recommend Arco Vos without condition for any fan of Bossa Nova. It is a splendid update of that time-tried genre. Mr. Nolet should find himself on marked on the ballot of many jazz critics this year as the finest jazz violinist playing.

Track Listing: El Preciso Perdoar / Me Deiux Em Paz; Samba Da Pergunta; Algo; Modo Paulista; Joana Francesa; You Don't Kno' What Love Is; Esse Sew Olhar; Let's Get'Lost; Lygia; Samba De Orfeu. (Total Time: 47:35)

Personnel: Jim Nolet: Viola; Rodrigo Rodrigues: Guitar, Vocals; Mario Manga: Cello, Guitar; Celio Barros: Acoustic Bass; Adriano Busko: Percussion; Luiz Carlos De Paula: Percussion; Monica Salmaso, Marcia Lopes; Ana Amelia, Maria Castello: Vocals.

Record Label: Cathexis Records | Style: Latin/World