Mark Levine and the Latin Tinge
Off & On: The Music of Moacir Santos
Left Coast Clave 004
www.marklevine.com

Pianist Mark Levine leads his Afro-Caribbean group through a set of
sterling compositions by the famous Brazilian composer Moacir Santos.
His band, which includes Paul van Wageningen/dr, Michael Spiro/perc,
John Wiitala/b and Mary Fettig/fl/ss/bc goes through the material with
joyful aplomb. The music is breezy and fresh, with first rate flute
playing by Fetting on tunes like “Nora” that float like a feather. The
rhythm section dances like children at a picnic on “Suk-Cha” and “Haply
Happy” with the breath of Santos’ pen shining forth. In case you don’t
know, “Santos” literally means “holy” and this music is set truly apart
from other South American styles. Guaranteed to be your music of choice
for cruising with the windows down.