My Content
Membership has its privileges! Sign up or sign in to gain full access to both All About Jazz and Jazz Near You. Learn more.
Fernando Holz: Minh' Alma Nua (My Nude Soul)
The phrase "smooth as silk" comes to mind on an initial listen to Brazilian-Bostonian Fernando Holz's Minh' Alma Nua (My Nude Soul). His vocal style, like that of fellow countryman Milton Nascimento, flows like a cool stream of crystalline water in front of an always crisp rhythm section, augmented by the lush harmonics of a string section.
The mix is perfectly done. Romero Lubambo, on guitar, counterpoints the clean seamless flow, adding an almost bluesy bite on his solo on "Diaspora Brasileira," while Paulo Braga—who is especially adept at the cymbal work—drops splashes of color into the mix; and pianist Rebecca Cline sprinkles delicate raindrops against the surface tension on "Outro Outono."
The finale, "Erika," a song of joyous love, showcase Holz's vocal talents with just Lumbambo's accoustic guitar on a sensuous up-tempo duet that I'd love to have seen them perform—such energy there.
The arrangemnts, by Zeca Barros, are superb, the use of strings done judiciously, whispering in at just the right momement before fading off to let the rhythm team and vocalist carry the show. A flawless production of the Brazilian jazz-pop sound.
The mix is perfectly done. Romero Lubambo, on guitar, counterpoints the clean seamless flow, adding an almost bluesy bite on his solo on "Diaspora Brasileira," while Paulo Braga—who is especially adept at the cymbal work—drops splashes of color into the mix; and pianist Rebecca Cline sprinkles delicate raindrops against the surface tension on "Outro Outono."
The finale, "Erika," a song of joyous love, showcase Holz's vocal talents with just Lumbambo's accoustic guitar on a sensuous up-tempo duet that I'd love to have seen them perform—such energy there.
The arrangemnts, by Zeca Barros, are superb, the use of strings done judiciously, whispering in at just the right momement before fading off to let the rhythm team and vocalist carry the show. A flawless production of the Brazilian jazz-pop sound.
Track Listing: Segredo De Laetitia, Noites Vazias, Freud Explica, A Verdade, Aprendiz, Diaspora Brasileira, Esacao, Outro Outono, Erica
Personnel: Fernando Holz--vocals; Gilson Schachalk--piano; Rebecca Cline--piano; Jose Pienasola--bass; Paulo Braga--drums; Mads Tolling, Reiko Nakano, Sarah Wilfong, Sarina Suno, Will Street--violins; Colin Belisle--viola; Fabrizio Mazzatta--cello
Title: Minh' Alma Nua (My Nude Soul) | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Independent Records
Tags
Fernando Holz
CD/LP/Track Review
Dan McClenaghan
Independent Records
United States
Minh' Alma Nua (My Nude Soul)
Related Articles
Profiles
Sonny Buxton: Mid-Day Saturdays and A Radio Master Class With Strayhorn's Last Drummer
By Arthur R George
February 11, 2019
Beauty, Love and Justice: Living A Coltranian Life
American Descendants of Slaves Empowered Through the Arts, Social Media #ADOS, and Activist Preaching
By Christine Passarella
February 13, 2019
Profiles
Sonny Buxton: Mid-Day Saturdays and A Radio Master Class With Strayhorn's Last Drummer
By Arthur R GeorgeFebruary 11, 2019
Beauty, Love and Justice: Living A Coltranian Life
American Descendants of Slaves Empowered Through the Arts, Social Media #ADOS, and Activist Preaching
By Christine PassarellaFebruary 13, 2019
Album Showcase
-
East Of The Sun by Michael Kocour
-
Crosswinds by Christoph Irniger
-
Imaginary Friends by Ralph Alessi
-
Trio Tapestry by Joe Lovano
-
Swallows & Swans by Florian Ross
Jazz Poll
Help us identify the world's top 100 jazz venues. Voting takes seconds so please participate! Learn more.
Shop Amazon
Jazz Story
I love jazz because it's an area of music where I am free to incorporate everything I've experienced in music, including multiple genres and global cultures, and creatively express myself as a composer and improviser
Read more
By Michael Occhipinti
Member since: 2008
