Vinho do Porto

Chronique

When drummers in Brazilian music are brought up, veteran Portinho's name has to be near the top of the list. A rhythm maker without peer, he has been a sideman all of his adult life, but these trio and quartet sessions should easily elevate his cache as a leader. They reveal him as a lover of not only the samba, but modern contemporary jazz, as evidenced by the mix of tunes from his homeland and the U.S. Mainstream trombonist Jay Ashby is the lone horn soloist, the quite able pianist Klaus Mueller has a large voice in the proceedings, while Itaiguara Brandao is the bassist on eight tracks, and the veteran Lincoln Goines on another three. This is a tight, precise, and joyous band that expands the parameters of both styles of instrumental music, paying homage to several different influences. Of the gems on this CD are Don Grolnick's great tune "Pools" with Mueller's nimble piano and the poignant bass of Goines, a hopped-up Latinized but fairly straight version of Wayne Shorter's immortal standard "Footprints" with Ashby's buoyant trombone upfront, Paquito d'Rivera's popping tune "Who's Smokin'?" where Mueller and Ashby wittily play separate halves of the melody, and the nice, light, slightly off minor inserted line of "Satin Doll." Of the Brazilian tunes, a spiky, kinetic Ashby identifies the modern, tricky staccato chart of Dom Salvador's "Vinho Do Porto," Hermeto Pascoal's "Viva O Rio De Janeiro" shifts from 7/8 to 4/4 time effortlessly in samba beat with Ashby's 'bone gliding along, and the famous melody of "Aquarela Do Brasil" is a tune that is as breezy, carefree and accessible as any perfect vacation tropical day. The samba "Vai De Vez" is the most unforced and down filled tune of the date, especially from underrated veteran Ashby, and the velvet surfaced "Homage to Tom" the softest. What Portinho brings to the dance is his ineffable good common sense, perfection in any tempo, restrained power, and an ability to shade, color and accent beats like few drummers in any category. This is a highly recommended album, a treat for those who already know the work of Portinho, and a revelation for those who don't.

© Michael G. Nastos /TiVo