Anat Cohen & Choro Aventuroso Feat. Leni Andrade at 54 Below

Anat Cohen & Choro Aventuroso, Feat. Leny Andrade
54 Below
New York, NY
August 23, 2013

The quartet. led by Anat Cohen, kicked off its early set with a selection of classic Brazilian choros that were enhanced by the individual talents of the Israeli reeds player's pan-Brazilian quartet, which featured accordion, acoustic seven-string guitar and pandeiro. The group's chemistry was quite palpable, and the musicians fed on each others' vibes, picking up immediately where one solo left off.

Cohen mixed things up, playing some Klezmer -influenced notes during her individual moments; choro and klezmer do share some similarities, especially when played in a more up-tempo, more syncopated manner. Things slowed down for Hermeto Pascoal's "Ternura," which began with a down-tempo guitar intro. The bluesy tune gave the musicians a chance to stretch a little further, including more emphasis on individual solos.

About halfway into the set, special guest Leny Andrade was introduced, and she began her participation with a soulful rendition of Pixinguinha's "Carinhoso," a well-known Brazilian standard in that is not often played stateside. Accordionist Victor Goncalves moved to the piano for Antonio Carlos Jobim's classic "Chega de Saudade," which Andrade sung in Portuguese. The group quickly adapted to the more subtle nature of bossa nova, and the song gave the singer a chance to show her improvisational skills by scatting throughout the melody.

Andrade took advantage of the band's specialty to explore a selection of more obscure tunes, and did a very personal take on "Da Cor do Pecado," a composition by the almost obscure composer Bororó. The set closed with "Estamos Aí," a tune written by arranger/composer Eumir Deodato—a suitable ending, since it is highly influenced by American jazz.

It was a great opportunity to hear Andrade in a more intimate setting. She seemed quite comfortable with the small ensemble behind her. It is just unfortunate that there was no time for an encore—fans surely would have loved to hear more.

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