Autumn Potpourri

Gotham lays claim to dozens of top notch Brazilian musicians who have transplanted themselves and staked out permanent jazz roots here. The music that results is a mélange of sounds resulting from combining their South American traditions with newly acquired New York inspirations. Many of these artists are constantly busy recording and gigging with fellow latinos and American performers who never tire of the rhythmic lure that comes to us from south of the border.

Two of the busiest of these talented folk are percussionist Duduka Da Fonseca and bassist Nilson Matta. If you wander into any number of New York venues and fall under the spell of brilliantly rendered polyrhythmic lines, it's a good bet these two are on stage creating more of their intriguing excitement. Zinc Bar and Sweet Rhythm are clubs where the dynamic duo can often be found but if you don't make it to these hot spots you can still hear them perform on any number of CD's. Their latest hijinks occur on Trio da Paz an outing led by guitarist Romero Lubambo (himself an impressive rhythmist ) and Amazon River, a session led by the estimable Hendrik Meurkens also featuring Helio Alves (another talented transplanted co-conspirator). Both CD's were recorded for Blue Toucan Music. These performances will excite anyone interested in the magic of Brazil and acquaint the listener with two of the hottest sidemen responsible for its continued popularity.

After a considerable hiatus (some three decades) veteran keyboardist/vocalist Joe Caruso is back on the scene with a new CD—The Thirty Year Itch—that reflects the outstanding musicianship and repertorial prescience that made him a fixture in Gotham circles so many years ago. Produced by Rich Alderson, this outing features a delicate balance of romantic ballads ("My Romance", "Yesterday When I was Young") up tempo jazz standards ("From This Moment On") and latin rhythms ("In The Still of The Night") all mirroring the subtle melodic textures that we remember from those halcyon days of yore. Caruso concentrates on vocal work in this return to the scene but rumor has it that he'll be heard playing his jazz accordion some day soon. Arrangements by pianist Rob Mounsey complete achievements in a session that features first call cats such as Lew Soloff, David Finck, Warren Odze and Lawrence Feldman. Upcoming appearance info can be had by contacting [email protected]. Welcome back Mr. C!

Those jazzers from Virginia Stephanie Nakasian and Hod O'Brien will be back in town for pre-Thanksgiving swinging at The Jazz Standard on Monday Nov. 14. This time in the couple will bring along their 11 year-old daughter Veronica Swift who got rave reviews at the Telluride Jazz Festival last year. Veronica is responsible for the group's new slogan—"The family that swings together, stays together. Tickets are available at ticketweb.com or by calling the club at 212-576-2232.