Dom Um Romao - Dom Um Romao & Spirit Of The Times (2014)

Brazilian Drummer and Percussionist Dom Um Romao was born in Rio De Janeiro in 1925 and moved to America in 1962. He was a member of Weather Report in the early 70s appearing on three of their albums, adding some unique percussion sounds. These two very special Brazilian jazz albums were recorded in the mid 70s in New York. The music contained within them achieves a standard of excellence rarely heard and feature many prominent Brazilian musicians and arrangers including Dom Savador, Joao Donato and Sivuca plus outstanding US players like Stanley Clarke, Joe Beck and Mauricio Smith. It is the Rhythms that initially attract you to this music, it is virtually impossible to sit still listening to these albums. These melodies are also strong and there is some fine instrumentation throughout. The Classic Brazilian songs Cinnamon Flower and Ponteio are given fresh interpretations. Romao s own songs Shake (Ginga Gingou) the incredible solo percussion Braun-Blek-Blu are incredibly rhythmic and reflect Dom Ums African heritage. The jazzier and funkier Lamento Negro and Doms Tune provide a nice contrast, and every track is of merit. Both these albums have been in demand by Jazz Dance Collectors for many years.