Quarteto Brasil - Bossa Nova / Delicado (2007)

Quarteto Brasil is made up of four veteran Brazilian musicians, with a fifth as an added guest on several tracks. Led by pianist Cristovao Bastos, who also wrote and arranged most of the compositions played on the session, the group includes saxophonist Ze Canuto (who plays soprano and alto), bassist Bororo (listed as an acoustic bassist, though it sounds like he's using an electric bass), drummer Jurim Moreira and percussionist Marcalzinho. This disc is not typical bossa nova, as the musicians are very forward thinking and take plenty of chances, especially in Bastos' engaging "Subdindo a Rocinha." The one selection written by a North American is Dave Brubeck's early-'60s piece "Bossa Nova U.S.A." which the band plays in a rather sensual, subdued fashion, a good bit slower that its composer, featuring Canuto's magical soprano sax and an inspired solo by the leader. The lack of liner notes is a bit frustrating, as most listeners will want to learn more about these talented Brazilian musicians, who are likely new names to jazz fans in the Northern Hemisphere. -- Ken Dryden