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Michael Lauren All Stars: Once Upon A Time In Portugal
ByVibraphonist Jeffery Davis contributes "Who Said Monopoly Was Fun," which is followed by the other cover in the set, a lovely latin arrangement of Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness Of You." Trumpeter Hugo Alves offers the most experimental entry. As its title implies, "Seven Ties Corp." is in seven (alternating with eight), and also has a bit of a Seventies fusion feel, although not so much as to make it sound out of place. "Trains" comes from the pen of pianist Diogo Vida. It starts out slowlyalmost making it the ballad of the setbut builds to a fleet guitar/vibraphone dialog. Saxophonist Menezes returns with "Smoking Gun," which he opens playing solo. Finally, guitarist Nuno Ferreira's "Barro E Cal" (Clay and Lime) brings things to a close with more hard bop flair. Carlos Barretto is the only band member not represented as a composer, but mention should be made of his fine contrabass support throughout.
We don't have to take Lauren's word that these musicians are All Stars: their playing and composing proves it all the way through. Exciting music, rooted in the hard bop tradition without being mired in the past. Clearly Lauren's decision to record this quicklyand without rehearsal beforehandwas the right one.
Track Listing
Minor Strain; Bonfim Blues; Outras Viagens; Who Said Monopoly Was Fun; The Nearness of You; Seven Ties Corp.; Trains; Smoking Gun; Barro E Cal.
Personnel
Michael Lauren
drumsMichael Lauren: drums; Hugo Alves: trumpet; Carlos Barretto: contrabass; Jeffrey Davis: vibraphone; Nuno Ferreira: guitar; José Menezes: saxophone; Diogo Vida: piano.
Album information
Title: Once Upon A Time In Portugal | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Why Not Music
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