Since coming to the U.S. during the 1980s to study at Berklee, Brazilian pianist
Helio Alves has built a formidable discography as a sideman with
Joe Henderson,
Claudio Roditi,
Slide Hampton, and
Louis Hayes (among others), while his work as a leader has been consistently rewarding as well. After working frequently with a trio on his own recordings, he expanded to a quartet with the addition of masterful guitarist (and fellow countryman)
Romero Lubambo, plus bassist
Scott Colley and drummer
Ernesto Simpson.
Alves opens with
Lubambo's driving "Sweeping the Chimney," which is highlighted by terrific solos all around and an engaging theme. The leader contributed several originals, including the unusual, rather abstract "Helium," in which
Alves' piano lines seem to float in unpredictable ways.
Alves also explores the works of several Brazilian greats, including an intimate, romantic arrangement of
Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Falando de Amor," a relaxing setting of Luis Ecca's "The Dolphin" (a favorite of
Stan Getz and
Denny Zeitlin), and a sparkling duet with
Lubambo of Jaco Do Bandolim's "Doce de Coco." Highly recommended. ~ Ken Dryden