The fourth volume of
Adrian Younge and
Ali Shaheed Muhammad's
Jazz Is Dead series logically spotlights Brazilian jazz masters
Azymuth after colleague
Marcos Valle's turn on
JID003. At the same time, this convergence enables bassist
Alex Malheiros, drummer
Ivan Conti, and keyboardist
Kiko Continentino to continue their every-few-years studio release schedule. "Apocaliptico" highlighted the series preview compilation
Jazz Is Dead 001, and here it's focal, a torrential groove that starts with a buzzing bass warning and increases in power until it abates quickly at the 9:30 mark. Although none of the other seven compositions -- all eight are credited to the trio and producers/arrangers
Younge and
Muhammad -- is as dark or dramatic as "Apocaliptico," it forecast this set's tougher physicality in relation to
Azymuth's deep back catalog. That's not to say it's any less inviting. In a sneaky way, it also has the same subtly spirit-lifting effect as a lengthy conversation with a longtime friend.
Malheiros,
Conti, and
Continentino sound at home in
Younge's Linear Labs workshop of vintage gear, no matter how many elements -- churning rhythm guitar, brass, reeds, additional percussion -- enhance their intuitive interaction. That shines through everything, whether it's the gentler "Sumare" and "Friendship Samba" (the latter with a joyful skip that recalls the
Light as a Feather gem "Partido Alto"), or more driving numbers such as "Pulando Corda" and "Ao Redor Do Samba." Like
Younge and
Muhammad's other sessions, this sounds familiar and fresh at once, in this case a happenstance 2020 approximation of a mid-'70s
Azymuth date if made in collaboration with
Fonce and
Larry Mizell (a la the Brazilian-flavored moments of
Bobbi Humphrey's
Fancy Dancer,
Roger Glenn's
Reachin', and
Gary Bartz's
Music Is My Sanctuary). "Samba doido" meets "sky high." ~ Andy Kellman
![Getz/Gilberto [50th Anniversary]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0602537827718_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Getz/Gilberto [50th Anniversary]")
