Ipê

This is the second release from the Paris-based trio comprised of Brazilians Pablo Schinke and José Ferreira on cello and seven-string guitar, respectively, and Italian Giulia Tamanini on soprano saxophone. Being seasoned and highly capable instrumentalists, they create a solid rhythmic and melodic core to the music on this recording, with the utmost respect toward the best that the ever-diverse Brazilian musical tradition has to offer. The listener is regaled with a wide-ranging choice of themes composed by the likes of Egberto Gismonti, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Hermeto Pascoal and Hamilton de Holanda.

The opening track, ‘Bate Coxa’ (Beat Your Thigh), is a lively choro composed by Marco Pereira, who also writes the liner notes, the composer of the beautifully arranged and evocatively cinematic ‘Círculo dos Amantes’ (Circle of Lovers) and seems to be somewhat of a mentor to the group. On four of the ten tracks, including the two above, the three are joined by James Müller on percussion and drums, whose input accentuates that unmistakably Brazilian rhythmic lilt. Having shown their ability in creating such sublime arrangements, one only wishes to hear some of the trio's own compositions. One such may be found on their previous album Lilas (2015).