MARK WEINSTEIN - LUA E SOL (2008)

review by Paul J. Youngman - KJA Advocate for VINILEMANIA.NET

Mark Weinstein has surrounded himself with a fantastic group of Brazilian musicians who give everything of themselves musically on this his most recent visit to Brazils musical Mecca. Flutist, composer, Latin jazz master, Mark Weinstein brings us Lua e Sol and features Romero Lubambo (guitar), Nilson Mata (contra bass) and Cyro Baptista (percussion). In joining Mr. Weinstein on this recording these top rated Brazilian superstars add immeasurably to the feel and groove of songs by the classic Brazilian composers, De Moraes, Baden Powel, Pixinguinha, Donato, Barroso and Gil. Navigating the rich compositions with ease, they flow smoothly through afro-samba, choro and bossa nova tunes.

The opening song, “Canto de Ossanha” sets the course with bass and percussion introducing a soothing guitar melody that leads tastefully to the flutes calm and flowing verses. The flute carries the song through rich multi layered texture. Throughout the range of the instrument, from a low melodic whistle to a high melodious shriek, maintaining a calm and pleasant tone for the most part while inducing a relaxing state. One can nearly imagine lying on a beach in Salvador, moderate winds and rolling waves washing away your cares.   

Lua e Sol is not all about the flute, the flute blends, flutters, floats and becomes one with the music. There are wonderful features from the band members. The bass playing of Nilson Mata is fantastic; he makes the bass speak a language onto itself.  On songs like “Estrelinha”, an enchanting classical solo that brings tears to the eyes. On  the title track, “Lua e Sol”he gives us a wild ride through a diverse mix of bass styles or “Emorio”, one of the best bass chants I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. A dialogue of soulful statements, he creates an urgency in his playing, with sustained lines, dynamic attacks, impeccable timing and feelings that transcend space barriers. This is one of the pre-eminent bassist’s of our times.

Guitarist Romero Lubambo is given free reign on a few of the songs and his playing is exciting. On most of the songs he maintains a flowing rhythm with full chords, traditional jazz style with melodic lines interweaved. On the song “Isaura” he steps out for the introduction playing a classical sounding opener. He progresses to a fluid and fast paced rhythm and provides excellent accompaniment to the soloists including Nilson Mata who lays down a running bass work shop. For the song “Lua e Sol”, Lubambo gets to mix it up, with some wild rhythms, exciting passionate guitar playing at a very intense level. The closer “Upa Negrinho” features master Lubambo as he displays his incredible technique through the first solo portion of the song. A mix of jazz voicing, classical, Flamenco and Brazilian guitar styles that are played at a rapid tempo. 

The master percussionist Cyro Baptista is in a class by himself, one of those percussionists who will create sounds that are completely unique. The inclusion of Baptista gives Lua e Sol an extra percussive push; a near orchestra onto himself the range of percussion that is featured is almost limitless. Every song has that Latin percussion troop feel to it. With an immense imagination, an intimate knowledge of all the Brazilian rhythms and the skill of a conductor, he weaves a multitude of percussion instruments into the mix in a seamless manner. The accompaniment is first rate nothing is overplayed or gets carried away. His playing is tasteful and completely natural to the groove. Interesting sounds, intriguing rhythms, exciting beats and excellent musicianship exemplify the performance of Cyro Batista on every track. A stupendous percussionist.      

A superior Latin jazz album, Lua e Sol. Mark Weinstein, Nilson Mata, Romero Lubambo and Cyro Baptista have come together to create a high energy stirring performance of  first rate quality - guaranteed to provide intense listening pleasure.