Helio Alves
Musica
Jazz Legacy Productions
www.jazzlegacyproductions.com
By George W. Harris

Brazilian born pianist Helio Alves releases his fourth disc, the first on the impressively fledging JLP label (which is becoming more and more like the vintage Blue Note label-a good thing!). He teams up with Rueben Rogers/b and Antonio Sanchez/dr on the majority of tracks, ranging from the loping “Kathy” to the rapidly paced “Musica Das Nuvens E Do Chao,” both of which display remarkable digital dexterity. His romantic side is well displayed on the dramatic ballad “Sombra” and the delicate “For Das Estradas.” Trumpeter Claudio Roditi shows up for a couple of songs, most noteworthy being the boppish “Gafeira” while Romero Lubambo lends his gentle guitar to a lovely “Chan’s Song.” Straight ahead, with few bumps, this is a nice and smooth ride.