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Terence Blanchard: The Heart Speaks

By AAJ Staff
May 1, 1997
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Scott Adams and his wonderful weekly show "The Sounds of Brazil" was responsible for bringing this Brazilian gem to my attention. Like Hiroko Kokubu, this set pervades all that is smooth about Latin fusion.

Joining trumpeter Blanchard on this set are a heavyweight team of guests that includes Ivan Lins, Paulinho da Costa and Oscar Castro-Neves. Terence doesn't play his horn like a Herb Alpert or a Donald Byrd, but moreso reminiscent of of Carribean salsa meets Freddie Hubbard.

The music drifts from bolero to samba to an Azymuth-sounding traditional beat which is full of culture and reminds me of drinking a full bodied port, smooth, full bodied, rich and relaxing. The album does have a few up-tempo salsa type excursions à la Poncho Sanchez but the peace and tranquility of the album returns quite quickly.

This album is for late, late night listening 'round midnight' and is guaranteed to soothe away the stress and strain of the day. This music will caress you like waves washing onto the shore on a summer's evening. If you like your contemporary jazz with more bounce to the ounce, "The Heart Speaks" is definitely not for you.

Personnel

Terence Blanchard

trumpet

Album information

Title: The Heart Speaks | Year Released: 1996 | Record Label: Sony Music

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