AMG Review by Scott Yanow (4 1/2):
The third of tenor-saxophonist Joe Henderson's tribute CDs on Verve was originally supposed to be a collaboration with the great bossa nova composer Antonio Carlos Jobim but Jobim's unexpected death turned this project into a memorial. Henderson performs a dozen of the composer's works with one of two separate groups: a Brazilian quartet starring pianist Eliane Elias and a jazz trio with pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Christian McBride and drummer Jack DeJohnette. In general Henderson avoids Jobim's best-known songs in favor of some of his more obscure (but equally rewarding) melodies and in some cases (such as a very straightahead "No More Blues") the treatments are surprising. Highlights of this very accessible yet unpredictable CD include "Felicidade," "Triste," "Zingaro" and a duet with guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves on "Once I Loved" although all of the performances are quite enjoyable. Highly recommended.
_Tracks 1 - 5 --------- Joe Henderson - tenor sax 1-5 Eliane Elias - piano 1,2,3,4 Oscar Castro-Neves - guitar 1,2,5 Nico Asumpçao - bass 1,2,3,4 Paulo Braga - drums 1,2,3,4 Tracks 6 - 12 ---------- Joe Henderson - tenor sax 6-12 Herbie Hancock - piano 6,7,8,9,10,11 Christian McBride - bass 6,7,8,9,11,12 Jack DeJohnette - drums 6,7,9,11 |
