Very Nice!
bordersj2 | Boston | 08/11/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Quintetto X are a group out of Italy specializing in some funky bossa and jazz. The group consists of Francesco De Giosa, Piero Vincenti, Anton Giulio Galeandro, Marcello Piarulli, Fabio Accardi and a slew of other featured musicians and singers. The group is a throwback to the early days of Schema records (their label). No surprise then that Nicola Conte had a hand in the group as well. But the name that stuck out to me with them was always Rosalia De Souza, who features on maybe 4 of the tracks. It was very interesting to hear some of her singing before her feature album on Schema. This looks to be the original album from 1995 or 1996. But it was recently re-released and the cover re-done, etc.
I only picked this cd up in recent months, so when the cd started out, when the very first song on it started I immediately though "Kickin' Samba!" - not literally, but from the Soulstance track titled "Kickin' Samba" that's on their album "Act On!"... and of course Soulstance is also on Schema That crazy alive big band horn sound is on the cut, but this has some sweet singin' (Rosalia). Another song I really enjoyed was "Senza Paura". It has some cool funk to it and very cute singing. The jamming in the end was pretty cool to me and just flowed - I love the way the track closes out. Good to hear some attitude! And then "Luce Del Sud" follows up with a smooth piano instrumentation with Rosalia's voice another instrument. C'E Piu Samba is another good tune, this time featuring sultry vocals by Cinzia Farchi and Tiziana Felice. "The Jody Grind" kicks in with a cool feel to it. Nicola Conte did the linear notes and mentioned close connections with Sergio Mendes Brasil 66 and Tamba Trio - for some reason "The Jody Grind" is like a blend of both to me. Meh - if you like "Mas Que Nada", you'll feel it. Then "Brasileiro" is another very nice track, a little more relaxed, very smooth. But all throughout the album there's tribute given to some of the old Brazilian legends and standards along with just some good jazz and interpretations.
I certainly recommend this! It's different from the 1995 one in that it also has a few cuts that weren't on that one. To me, I liken it to some of the works on the Irma label - specifically Bossa Nostra feat. Bruna Lopez. While the vocalists here IMO don't quite have the attitude that Bruna captures, they're still exceptional. So by all means check out Kharmelion if you like this, and vice-versa. ALSO remember that this album was re-released in late 04, early 2005. There's a new cover and everything. It was a great idea to re-release this and very logical, considering you get to hear what might've been forgotten works that featured Rosalia De Souza on vocals - and with the more 'funked up' route that schema's going this year (check out Break & Bossa 7!), it fits the mold. Another good release but you might have to search for it since it's getting difficult to find... but I should mention I did pay significantly less than $30 for it. Finally, the re-released version (which isn't this one) has a few cuts on it that aren't on this one."