Calendário do Som , som universal!
Peppino | 02/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When Hermeto Pascoal's labour of love, 366 compositions, 1 for each day of the year 1996 was issued CALENDÀRIO DO SOM
HERMETO PASCOAL, SENAC SP, Música , all applied disciples who are "fratelli músicisti" immediately began to experiment with the compositions .
Mark Weinstein has recorded the 1st of the realizations of these beautiful compositions, although American guitarrista Richard Boukas is at the very heart of this project.
Mr Weinstein and Boukas are joined by the capable New York based Brasilian section of Paulo Braga, Nilson Mata and Vanderlei (drum, bass, percussion) as Richard Boukas plays the full arsenal of brasilian and universal string instruments, including the device that makes the guitar frase as the sanfona, the brasilian button acordeon! (In particular, Mr Boukas frases very much as if he were squeezing the box instead of frasing on the fretboard !)
The compositions have been reharmonised to fit the format of the guitarra/violão as main harmony instrument, and compositions are done in the various ritmos of Brrrasilllllll!
While I find the new release of Itiberé Orquestra Familia to be an even better interpretation of the Calendário, it is no slight to this fine recording. (After all, Beré has 29 years with Hermeto)
Mark Weinstein does not sound like Brasilian flautistas, and not at all like Hermeto when he imrovises the flute, but has a great tone and his frasing enjoyable. He is his own man, as said, as an improvisor and ovious he delights to perform the compositions!
Mr Boukas also does not cover "new ground" as he plays in the tradition of the Brasilian sounds he obviously loves, but is a top flight improvisor and also sings very well the wordless style to accompany the melody lines, and also take off on the quase-scat style vocals. (He also improvises the "mouth trumpet" style, commenadable as innovation is always the Hermeto tradition).
All in all, with the traditional brasilian base supplied by the "craque" sidemen, and I hesitate relegating as 'sidemen', the term seems almost derogatory... this indeed a 1000 star affair.
A must have for any collection, whether you are a "Hermetnauta', or just a fan of nice sounds.
1000 stars the grupo, 100000000000000 stars for the unbelievable wonderful compositions.
como dizia Hermeto .." tudo é som, o som universal!"
"
Weinstein's Masterpiece
Joseph Frame | Woodbridge, NJ United States | 05/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Given: Hermeto Pascoal is a genius. This Brazilian composer/multi-instrumentalist writes music which is challenging to say the least.
Given: A musician who interprets his music with integrity, passion, and grace also needs to be a genius.
Conclusion: Mark Weinstein is a genius of the flute - a consummate musician of the first water.
This CD is must for anyone who enjoys jazz flute, Brazilian jazz, or just brilliant music, regards of genre. Richard Boukas' contribution certainly must be acknowledged for what it is: vital. Boukas' guitar (and many other stringed instruments), voice, and arrangements are analogous to the indispensable efforts of a conductor and his orchestra in a classical music concerto. Nor can we overlook the wonderful contributions from Nilson Matta, Paulo Braga, and Vanderei Pereira!
However, it is Weinstein's virtuosity that makes this disc happen. His tone is fat and round (never piercing); his sense of timing impeccable, and his improvisations are both inspired and inspiring. Just listen to how he makes the flute "sing" on Song #18, Bossa Nova (track #3) and Song #30 (track #9), Choro. All the colors, tints, and shades of Brazil emanate. On Song#15, Valsa (track #10) the flute actually weeps; and Nilson Matta's bass solo is amazing!
If you are on a limited CD budget, this is one to get because it has such depth that each time you listen to it, you hear something different and exciting! But - one thing that you always hear is Mark Weinstein's musical genius."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
