Artiste: Various Artists
Album: Brasiliance – Jazz Bossa 4
Spotlight Track: Quem E Homem Nao Chora by Manfredo Fest Trio
Label: Victor Entertainment
Catalogue No: VICP 5279
Compiled by Izuru Utsumi
Manfredo Fest Trio are:
Manfredo Fest: Piano
Mathias: Bass
Heitor: Drums
Once in a long while, you come across a comp or a series of comps that truly reflect the authenticity of the music in focus. The Brasiliance series is one of them and Jazz Bossa 4 is a great testament to the true Bossa sound of the 1960s. Tailored for Jazz Bossa purists, Izuru Utsumi has done a remarkable crate diggin’ job with a 10 upon 10 selection of bossa gems stemming from dancefloor jazz improv to psychedelic a-go-go chorus lines. Reminiscent of other classic Brazilian comps like Kevin Beadle’s Blue Brazil series, Giles P and Joe Davis’ Brazilica series and David Byrne’s Brazil Classics series to name a few. What a selection!
The discerning listener here will be floored by the amount of depth, sophistication and originality displayed through each and every song in this comp. From Zimbo Trio to Ery Arcoverde to Quarteto En Cy, all the tracks here are simply seductive ear openers – radical and exciting in style yet beautiful in both melody and structure. Released in the early 90s, the Brasiliance series is fast becoming a rarity so if you’re keen to get a hold of these gems, try eBay or get a hold of a Japanese friend to hunt em’ down for you in Japan. Good luck!
The Spotlight Track from this compilation is by the great (and blind) Manfredo Fest along with his band members Mathias and Heitor – if you wanna know more about “one of Bossa’s best kept secrets”, peep here. Recorded around 1963, Quem E Homem Nao Chora is one of the gems found on the trio’s debut album which is self titled. Bomba Records from Japan re-released this album on CD a couple of years back but it’s damn stress to find, so if you happen to come across it, DON’T SLEEP! From listening to the sample, one can clearly delight in the dancefloor jazzabilities and steam to the brim notes from Manfredo Fest. The rim-shots and tempo is full-on swingin’ and the overall musicality is true Dingwalls stylo-mylo vibin’. Perfect track to usher in the new year with much positivity!
Tangkap This!!!
-Crispian
