Joe Carter with Nilson Matta
2 For 2
Empathy Records
E1011
From a historical perspective,
Brazilian music has enjoyed resounding popularity in the United
States. Indigenous rhythms like the bossa nova, samba, frevo
and baiao first began surfacing in the US in the 1940's introduced
by pioneers like Ary Barroso, Luiz Gonzaga among others. Like
most Latin music, Brazilian rhythms gained greater prominence
by way of Tin Pan Alley largely due to the talented entertainer
Carmen Miranda. In later years, Brazilian music would evolve
become immensely popular in the early 60s. Some noteworthy exponent
included contemporary musicians/poets Antonio Carlos Jobim, Sergio
Mendes, Sete Bola, Joao Gilberto, and others.
However, in speaking about the early evolution of Brazilian
music in the United States, it is important to mention the contribution
of guitarist Charlie Byrd. An original founding father of the
nylon string guitar, Byrd developed a unique style that crystallized
the essence of Brazilian music, particularly the Bossa Nova in
America. Since then, many musicians have continued to record
Brazilian music and follow in the footsteps of Charlie Byrd,
saxophonist Stan Getz, flautist Herbie Mann and many others.
One such musician is guitarist Joe Carter.
From an early age, Joe took an interest in music developing
his talent on the guitar. Later, he would continue his studies
at New York University earning a B.A. and M.A., and working study
privately with guitarists Sal Salvador, John Scofield and other
prominent musicians. Soon his musical journey would lead him
to discovering the rhythms from Brazil. It is not difficult to
hear Joe's appreciation and love for Brazilian music on this
recording entitled 2 for 2.
Accompanying Joe one this tribute to Brazilian music is the
talented bassist Nilson Matta. Also well versed in a variety
of Jazz styles, Matta was born in Brazil and has lived in New
York City since 1985. Since then, he has been a part of a group
called Trio da Paz, as well as performing with guitarist Romero
Lubambo and recorded with Herbie Mann, Toots Theilemans, Joe
Henderson, Gato Barbieri, Harry Allen, among others.
As the title implies, 2 for 2 is a duo session between bass
and guitar. The repertoire is a balance that includes original
compositions and some classic Brazilian tunes. The first song
"Feitio De Oracao", a Noel Rosa and Vadico composition
is a medium tempo samba that amicably engages the listener into
the harmonic and rhythmical complexities of Brazilian music.
The samba beat continues on Joe Carter's composition "Papa's
Baiao." Both players display a steadfast approach each taking
turns soloing. Next, the duo feature a composition written by
one of Brazil's greatest modern composers, musician and poet
Antonio Carlos Jobim entitled "Lusiana." Other Jobim
compositions on the CD include "Ligia" and Estrada
Do Sol."
Another Joe Carter composition, "Olinda" is a samba
that features some interesting chords and harmony. A Carlos Lyra
composition, "Influencia Do Jazz" (Jazz influence)
features some partido alto rhythm with some Jazzy bebop sounds.
Other compositions include "Berimbau", "Feitico
Da Villa", "Nascente", and "Do You Remember
That Picture, Chicao?"
No doubt that both Matta and Carter are very capable musicians.
Of the two, Matta not only demonstrates a high degree of chops
on the acoustic bass, but his lyrical understanding of Brazilian
music is something beautiful to marble. Carter by all accounts
exhibits ample technique on the guitar. However, his lyrical
and rhythmic approach to Brazilian music is a bit mechanical
especially on the first few tracks as if he may be afraid to
take changes. By enlarge, his best work here is when he accompanies
the bass. Otherwise, his solos are full of simplistic clichés
which say little within a musical style (Brazilian Jazz) that
tends to be extremely lucid and uninhibited. For those that are
hardcore fans of Brazilian Jazz, you may find some food for musical
thought on 2 for 2. Certainly, the selection of compositions
and performance of bassist Nilson Matta make this recording very
well recommended.
review by John Davis
JDavis@latnjazzclub.com
Contributing writer
LatinJazzClub.com Magazine
