Another fine release from the surprisingly strong Brazilian jazz community based in Denmark,
Cigars and Guitars finds guitarists
Lars Bo Enselmann and Christian Sievert moving away from the scene's usual reliance on classic bossa nova covers in favor of an album's worth of originals in the style. Although both
Enselmann and
Sievert are flawless technicians, there's little showboating to be found here; instead, the duo provide intertwining lead and rhythm lines (occasionally accompanied by cellist
Morten Zeuthen, whose deep tones are an inspired addition to this trebly style) in service to deceptively complex Brazilian-style melodies. An unfortunate monotony in the album's presentation robs the songs of some of their individuality, but a few stand out, particularly the elegiac closer "Para Baden," a lovely remembrance of the recently deceased Brazilian superstar
Baden Powell, a clear influence on both
Enselmann and
Sievert.