Entrevero Instrumental: Exodo

The award-winning Brazilian ensemble, Entrevero Instrumental, opens their Exodo CD with a burst of sound, an energetic melding of accordion, bass, drums, saxophone and seven string guitar. The tune is "Folha Negra." It, and the rest of the music of the set, celebrates in vivacious style the rhythms of southern Brazil. Arthur Boscato's seven string guitar swings from lilting, subtle chords to tangy single notes in front of bassist Rodrigo Moreira's deep bass grooves. When saxophonist Jota Barbosa gets his chance out front he plays with fire, taking things to a near Tim Berne-ian (alto saxophonist) intensity level, that gives way to a drifting, folk song atmosphere coming from the sweet, breathing sounds of Diego Guerro's accordion. All this this mix is modernized by Filipe Maliska's vigorous and peppery, muscular-yet-intricate approach to percussion.

The group's distinctive personality grows from its Brazilian roots, the spirited rhythms, and out of the individual strengths of the musicians—virtuosos who never lose sight of the fact the the ensemble sound takes precedence. Multi-instrumentalist and Brazilian legend Hermeto Pascoal sits in on "Dunundje," playing melodica on this stirring up-tempo tune. Filo Machado adds a tender vocal contribution to the gorgeous "Palaciana."

Exodo by Entrevero Instrumental is passionate music, full of joyful life and effervescent Brazilian rhythms—the most beautifully mesmerizing sounds imaginable.