The Brazilian Trio - Aguas Brasileiras (2020) [WEB]

The Brazilian Trio is back! And they've put together something remarkable, which is both virtuosic and vividly imagined. No doubt, this is what we've come to expect from this incredible group of talented artists who perform together as an integrated and dynamic creative force. The trio is composed of Helio Alves (piano), Nilson Matta (bass), and Duduka Da Fonseca (drums). Alves was born in São Paulo, Brazil and moved to New York City in 1993. He has performed with a veritable list of all-stars, from Yo-Yo Ma to Gato Barbieri. He is a prolific artist and has also released four CDs as a leader. He is widely known for his elegant and eclectic performances. Matta is one of the most celebrated bass players the world over. While living in Brazil, he performed with luminaries such as João Gilberto and Hermeto Pascoal. Since arriving New York in 1985, he has become the go-to bassist for Latin-inspired jazz. Not only is he a prolific performer and composer, he's an avid educator, helping to instruct and shape the next generation of bassists. Da Fonseca is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and grew up during the golden age of bossa nova. He formed his first samba band at age thirteen and hasn't looked back ever since. He has performed with just about everyone in the Brazilian canon, from Haroldo Mauro Jr. to the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra. After moving to New York, he collaborated with the likes of Bob Mintzer and Randy Brecker, among others. Performing on more than two hundred albums, Da Fonseca deserves to be mentioned in the dictionary under drummer and maestro. Águas Brasileiras (2020) is their second ZOHO release, following their debut Forests (2008), which earned them a LATIN GRAMMY nomination for Best Latin Jazz album. This production is a stirring and seminal work, in which each member of the trio draws upon their own crafts and, at the same time, supports each other with thoughtful accompaniments. The result is exquisite. Kanir Sehgal, producer.