Felipe Salles: Mind Motions

Saxophonist Felipe Salles’ sophomore recording, Mind Motions, continues on the melodic theme of dynamic material and strong musicianship. A native of Brazil, his sound blends music from his homeland as well as Latin persuasions into a contemporary feel. His debut recording Further South showed his effectiveness in composing as well as performing. The new recording gives further insight and exploration into music that continues to have a fresh outlook.

Mind Motions features Salles in a variety of settings from quartets to almost nonet-sized ensembles. The blend of various reed instruments combined with trumpet and trombone conveys richness and depth. Percussion appears in abundance throughout the recording and gives the music an exotic feel, with Afro-Cuban rhythms on “ORB” and “Libra.”

The music is layered with intricate horns arrangements and tight syncopations on compositions such as “Magister Joseph,” which pays reverence to saxophone patriarch Joe Henderson. While Salles’ tenor sound may not be altogether unique, he compensates with a keen sense of style. He shows tenor prowess on “Sphere” and delicately pronounces a dissonant solo on the title composition. His repertoire of wind instruments includes sax, flute and bass clarinet.

Lush horn arrangements are a trademark of the Salles sound, with layers of brass and reed on ”Laura’s Nightmare” and the odd metered swinger “The Return of the Chromo Sapiens.” All band members contribute with artful solo performances and group solidarity. The recording closes with a short but engaging sax, piano, violin, and cello composition entitled “Reflection” which shows the creativity of the musician and composer.

Visit Felipe Salles on the web.