Lee Konitz has long been a versatile jazz musician, adaptable to many different styles. This Brazilian-flavored session is one of two that the alto saxophonist recorded during the mid-'90s for Venus; his session partners include trumpeter
Tom Harrell, guitarist
Romero Lubambo, pianist
David Kikoski (who mostly sticks to electric piano), bassist
David Fink, drummer
Duduka Da Fonseca, and percussionist Waltinho Anastácio. As expected,
Konitz's light sound works well with the Brazilian favorites they perform, with
Harrell being a particularly inspired foil for the leader. The works of
Antonio Carlos Jobim are well represented, including breezy takes of "Favela" and "Wave."
Harrell's lyrical "September" (featuring him in a fine muted solo) and
Konitz's "Brazilian Serenade" also fit the mood of this relaxing CD very well. This rewarding release is well worth investigating.