Search - Romero Lubambo :: Rio De Janerio Underground

I almost didn't buy this disc . . .

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 08/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

". . . but, boy, am I glad I did!Three things put me off: the cover indication that it features Herbie Mann, the venerable jazz flutist; that it also featured Ivan Lins, a Brazilian vocalist of some note; and the disc title: "Rio de Janiero Underground." First, I'm not a big fan of jazz flute, esp. as represented by Mr. Mann. Second, I prefer my Brazilian music sans vocals, such as, say, Egberto Gismonti or Trio da Paz mught play. Third, I wasn't looking for some strange denizens--hip-hop artists, rappers, funkmeisters, whatever--that might be inhabiting "the Rio Underground."But I gambled that Romero Lubambo might hit upon some deep samba groove, and I wasn't disappointed. There is, indeed, a mighty samba groove happening here, strong enough to sweep away any slightly cheesy Mann flute renderings and vocal sweetening courtesy of Mr. Lins.Bottom line: What we've got here is some monster Brazilian vibe with Lubambo all over it like an ill-fitting topcoat. If, like me, you're always in the hunt for some killer Brazilian vibe, look no further. This is it."