Jazz Articles

Trio Da Paz: Cafe

by Jim Santella
June 1, 2002

Fingerstyle guitar, a light samba mood, and creative chamber jazz make a winning combination. Trio da Paz has created an intimate program, intended for lovers the world over. That each is a master at his craft is clearly evidenced by the unit's previous work. Café is the trio's fourth album. Here, three guests are featured with two appearances each. Joe Lovano provides examples of his finest work, interpreting “Wave" and Romero Lubambo's “48th Street Bai'o" with the trio. Cesar Camargo ...

Duduka Da Fonseca: Samba Jazz Fantasia

by Jim Santella
June 1, 2002

Acoustic Brazilian jazz brings an air of celebration to any event. Drummer Duduka Da Fonseca has gathered together an all-star committee for his Malandro Records debut as leader. As it should be, the drummer here feeds energy to his companions and wraps it all up as a family session. His immediate family, his New York “family," his Brazilian “family" and his recording label “family" form a seamless program that drives traditional, improvised jazz across international boundaries. A native of Rio ...

Trio Da Paz: Cafe

by AAJ Staff
May 20, 2002

Brazillian jazz has advanced light years beyond Getz/Gilberto, the best-selling 1964 record that introduced mainstream American audiences to bossa nova. Trio Da Paz, a guitar/bass/drums trio featuring three Brazillian New Yorkers, exemplifies the freshness of color and pulse that this particular combination of music can offer. The group draws deeply from the traditions of both Brazillian music and jazz, and in the process crafts a distinctive new sound. On their fourth record, Café, Trio Da Paz explores a range of ...

Nilson Matta & Hendrik Meurkens: Encontros

by Jim Santella
May 1, 2001

What does Brazilian jazz mean to you? Is it a soft, flowing melody that steps lightly along the beach? Is it a saucy samba that parades proudly and whistles your worries away? Don't forget the jazz part. Do the artists provide you with fresh improvisation and a rhythmic groove?

The encounter between Hendrik Meurkens and Nilson Matta is an acoustic session that includes all of the above. Meurkens' suave harmonica is featured throughout, while piano, bass, and guitar solo frequently. ...

Nilson Matta & Hendrik Meurkens: Encountros

by AAJ Staff
April 1, 2001

Bassist Nilson Matta and multi-instrumentalist Hendrik Meurkens have performed on the periphery of Brazilian music, even as they have been immersed in the thick of it as well. So much in demand because of their unique talents, Matta has performed with the likes of Don Pullen and Mor Thiam, while Meurkens has worked with Allen Farnham and Herb Ellis. But they left their hearts in Rio de Janeiro.Meurkens starts Encontros with “Summer in San Francisco," bending notes and ...