The first of at least four meetings on record between the great Brazilian-styled guitarists
Laurindo Almeida and
Charlie Byrd, this very logical matchup (in a quartet with bassist
Bob Magnusson and percussionist
Milt Holland) is quite succesful. The music is tightly arranged with very little improvisation but the beauty of the two guitarist's distinctive tones and the colorful melodies makes this a rewarding set. From "Carioca" and Jobim's "Stone Flower" to several Brazilian classical pieces and even "Don't Cry For Me Argentina," everything works. ~ Scott Yanow