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Mark Weinstein: Jazz Brasil
ByOver the course of his career, Weinstein has revealed himself, on flute, like the late Steve Lacy did, on soprano saxophone, as a superb interpreter of Thelonious Monk. Weinstein can scarcely keep himself from tackling at least one Monk composition on each recording, and Jazz Brasil sports two covers, "I Mean You" and "Ruby My Dear." The soft, approachable nature of Weinstein's flute, coupled with the precise and inspired playing of pianist Kenny Barron, transforms Monk's jagged edges into bright and refined diamond faces. The cranky "I Mean You" becomes a devilishly timed tome, propelled by its idiosyncrasies. The balladic "Ruby My Dear" is treated with great care, Weinstein caressing the melody softly.
The presence of bassist Nilson Matta increases the recording date's Brazilian density, his "Sambrusco" the most Latin-driven piece on the recording. Weinstein contributes "Dawn's Early Light," a lilting ballad, sweetly played. Weinstein tips his hat to Herbie Mann by covering the late flautist's "Memphis Underground" on bass flute, which Weinstein wields with the same dexterity as baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan did with his big horn. There is much to like here, and like often.
Track Listing
I Mean You; Triste; Nefertiti; Brasil; Ruby My Dear; Sambrusco; Dawn's Early Light; Memphis Underground; If You Never Come to Me; Isotope.
Personnel
Mark Weinstein
fluteMark Weinstein: concert, alto and bass flutes; Kenny Barron: piano; Nilson Matta: bass; Marcello Pellitteri: drums.
Album information
Title: Jazz Brasil | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Jazzheads
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