Marco Figueira
Brazilliance
Blue Toucan

Glauco Sagebin
When Baden Meets Trane
Blue Toucan

Kerry Linder
Sail Away With Me
Blue Toucan Records

Some lovely music is floating up from South America, and three recent releases from Blue Toucan showcase some refreshing and fresh sounds. Vocalist Marco Figueira's warm and nasally voice tackles a set of Eumir Deodato's arrangements of originals and Brazilian classics. Surrounded by lovely strings and guitars, and driven by an addictive rhythms section, Figueira gives fresh interpretations of the likes of "O Barqueinho" and "Corcovado" (Please be aware that the list tracking is incorrect on the label). His own compositions feature enjoyable electric guitar work by Paulo Andre Tavares, particularly on the title tune and on "Vem Ca". This is an excellent mix of Brazilian tradition with a step in the 21st century.

Pianist Glauco Sagebin has put together a trio that combines the verve of Brazil with the heart of modern jazz. His flexible band can take a piece like "Fascinating Rhythm" and spice it up into a vibrant samba. The band can slide with grace through the lovely "Nada Como ter Amor", and reach deep into the heart with an ultra romantic "Laura". The highlight of this creative disc, however, has to be the title piece that combines parts of Coltrane's classic "Giant Steps" with Baden Powell in a thrilling mixture of North meeting South. Brilliantly conceived and executed.

Vocalist Kerry Linder, likewise, has taken an intriguing collection of songs and pressed them through the Brazilian grade. Her supple voice supplemented by the snappy rhythms on "God Bless The Child" and "As Time Goes By" actually make the original versions feel a bit stiff in comparison. Paul Simon's "St. Judy's Comet" is a delicate lullabye, done with élan. Horace Silver's "Song for My Father" sounds like it was written for this embracing singer. A definite fresh treatment to some well known songs is applied by this engaging lady.


-George W. Harris