Adriano Santos Quintet
Kingjazzad Music
www.adrianosantos.com
By George W. Harris

The leader of this band, drummer/percussionist Adriano Santos, knows how to get a rhythm section moving on this octet of supercharged pieces. Along with David Binney/as-ss, Helio Alves/p, David Ambrosio/b and Dende’/perc, Santos delivers lively and kinetic treatments of tunes like Airto Moreira’s “Xibaba” and Dorival Caymmi’s “Ninho da Vespa.” Binney’s horn is strong enough to withstand the percussive assault, as he blazes through “”Pro Zeca” like a windsprinter through a mine field. Ambrosio’s bass is sweet and fluffy on “Contemplacao” while Alves’ piano work bounces like a tropical rainstorm on “De Ton Pra Tom.” Exciting music here.