Portrait in Black and White

by Helio Alves

Overview

Brazilian pianist Helio Alves joins forces with bassist Santi Debriano and drummer Matt Wilson for this inspired studio session. His "Frenzy" is well named, beginning with an insistently repeated motif before taking off in an uptempo post-bop direction. "Sambetinho" is a delicious samba in which Alves' dancing licks are complemented by Wilson's imaginative percussion and Debriano's spacious bassline. "Loose Samba" has a Latin flavor but breaks loose from the normal rhythmic constraints of the style. "Song for Anna" is a delicate jazz waltz dedicated to the composer's young daughter. Alves' approach to well-known compositions is equally fascinating. "Angel Eyes" is far faster than typical recordings, played as a bop vehicle with Wilson's creative percussion challenging the leader for the spotlight. His sensitive interpretation of Steve Swallow's "Falling Grace" showcases Debriano's flawless arco bass, while Alves occasionally hints at the influence of the late Bill Evans in his post-bop rendition of Michel Legrand's masterpiece "You Must Believe in Spring." Warmly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden

Product Details

Release Date:	02/17/2004
Label:	Reservoir (City Hall)
UPC:	0747985017622
Rank:	233264

Tracks

1. Frenzy
2. Sambetinho
3. Angel Eyes
4. Portrait in Black and White
5. Falling Grace
6. You Must Believe in Spring
7. Loose Samba
8. Song for Anna
9. Loro

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Helio Alves   Primary Artist,Piano
Santi Debriano   Bass
Matt Wilson   Drums

Technical Credits

Abigail Feldman   Photography
Jim Anderson   Engineer
Matt Dennis   Composer
Egberto Gismonti   Composer
Antonio Carlos Jobim   Composer
Mark Feldman   Producer
Peter Doris   Assistant Engineer
Tom Adair   Composer
B. Robert Johnson   Design,Session Photographer
Kayla Feldman   Executive Producer
Allan Tucker   Mastering
Steve Swallow   Composer