MARCELO ZARVOS
Music Journal
MA Recordings
M055A

Pianist / composer Marcelo Zarvos creative inspirations are deeply rooted in the music of the Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. Villa-Lobos was fascinated with Brazilian folk music, and adapted ethnic melodies and rhythms into his own essentially Euro-classical compositions. Zarvos’ appreciation for Villa-Lobos’ work is as evident as his appreciation for jazz on Music Journal, his third release for Todd Garfinkle’s MA label. All three of Zarvos recordings have a strong chamber jazz feel, not unlike recent recordings by Zarvos’ compatriot (and fellow Villa-Lobos acolyte) Egberto Gismonti. The similarity to Gismonti’s work is most apparent on the opening "Forro em Curuipe" and on the strongly rhythmic "Rules of Conduct." On the other hand, the slower-paced, more impressionistic pieces such as "While She Sleeps" and "Spinning" reminded me of the proto-New Age group Oregon. Though Zarvos and his group smoothly and flawlessly interpret these pleasant, pastoral compositions, the end result is a bit lacking in passion and fire. Dorothy Lawson’s 'cello is featured in a non-improvising lead role, so the lion’s share of the solo duties are shared by Zarvos and soprano saxophonist Peter Epstein. Epstein is by far the more interesting soloist, as Zarvos’ improvising rarely seems more than pretty and placid. I found it odd that, despite the presence of two fine percussionists and a great bassist, Music Journal lacked both the intense drama, and the churning multi-layered rhythmic density that characterizes nearly all of Egberto Gismonti’s music. This chapter of Zarvos’ journal is replete with unremittingly sunny, pleasant music that will soon be heard between news items on your local NPR affiliate.

Dave Wayne

Track Listing: 1. Forró em Curuipe; 2. Gallop; 3. While She Sleeps; 4. Rules of Conduct; 5. Spinning; 6. Avenida Paulista; 7. In A Doorway; 8. One More Year

Personnel: Marcelo Zarvos, piano, accordion (track 7); Peter Epstein, soprano sax; Dorothy Larson, ‘cello; Chris Dahlgren, bass; Mauro Refosco, vibes, marimba, berimbau, percussion; Satoshi Takeishi, percussion