Brazilian Landscapes

This decidedly erudite CD is like a classically tinged Codona trio album for the new millennium. Like Don Cherry and Nana Vasconcelos's Codona, Brazilian Landscapes witnesses an encounter of strings, wind and percussion – provided by the masterful classical guitar of Brazilian Daniel Murray, Denmark's foremost recorder player Michala Petri and virtuoso New York percussionist Marilyn Mazur. The trio devote themselves entirely to a repertory of modern Brazilian classical compositions, which include Villa-Lobos' ‘Chôros No 5', the hauntingly melancholic and modal ‘Olha Maria’ by Tom Jobim, the staccato and joyful frevo ‘Karatê' by jazz composer Egberto Gismonti, tunes by Hermeto Pascoal and Antônio Ribeiro, and original material by Daniel Murray himself.
Those looking for soothing South American sounds will likely be disappointed by this release. Brazilian Landscapes is one for lovers of serious music, who will find a wealth of exquisitely played, rich, sophisticated pieces that never grate or jar in their virtuosity or experimentalism but that are stimulating enough for the highest of brows.