Nu Jazz Meets Brazil

Album review

First, the disclaimer: Nu Jazz Meets Brazil: The Dom Um Romão Remix isn't really jazz -- certainly not in the true sense of the word. Jazz is about improvisation and spontaneity, which is what Pat Metheny, Scott Henderson, and Al DiMeola have in common with Eddie Lang, Django Reinhardt, and Charlie Christian. It's the thing that Michael Brecker has in common with Ben Webster, Hank Mobley, and Albert Ayler. And it's the reason why Miles Davis' Bitches Brew was every bit as much of a jazz date as Kind of Blue or Birth of the Cool. This CD isn't about improvisation and spontaneity -- it's about production gloss, programmed electronic beats, and dancefloor/club appeal. Nu Jazz Meets Brazil isn't really Brazilian jazz -- certainly not in the way that improvisers like Flora Purim, Stan Getz, Claudio Roditi, Bud Shank, Eliane Elias, and Azymuth have provided Brazilian jazz. It's jazzy electronica with a Brazilian flavor. But that doesn't mean that it's bad; it simply means that it should be judged by electronica standards rather than jazz standards. And from an electronica standpoint, Nu Jazz Meets Brazil is interesting and creative. These days, dance-oriented electronica is being combined with a variety of world music -- depending on the producer or the DJ, electronica can incorporate anything from Indian pop to Afro-Cuban salsa to Irish-Celtic music. And on this compilation, Brazilian songs like Jorge Ben's "Mas Que Nada" and Dom Um Romão's "Lake of Perseverance" are given the electronic treatment by various mixologists. Overall, Nu Jazz Meets Brazil isn't the sort of abrasive electronica that dominates some raves; the disc tends to be hypnotic instead of forceful, and it usually has more trip-hop and acid jazz appeal than techno appeal. This CD is well worth checking out if you're seeking something fresh, enjoyable, and chance-taking from clubland electronica.

© Alex Henderson /TiVo