Incredibly great work from Toninho Horta – especially considering that the album's a US release from the early 90s! Horta's working here in a tight trio with Gary Peacock on bass and Billy Higgins on drums – both players we can trust to keep things real, and help Toninho hit a groove that's solidly jazzy. The style is more straight jazz than some of Horta's other work – but in a really great way – and although he sings a bit on the set in that wordless way of his, there seems to be more of a focus than before on well-played guitar solos, both electric and acoustic. Titles include "Pica Pau", "Lullaby Of Birdland", "My Funny Valentine", "Minas Train", "Footprints", "Tarde", and "O Amor Em Paz". CD

A sweet mix of Brazilian grooves and New York attitude – an overlooked session from the end of the 90s – recorded in the US by Brazilian saxman Leo Gandelman, with soulful help from a variety of American players – including Reuben Wilson on organ and both Charlie Hunter and Grant Green Jr on guitar! There's a rich sort of 70s vibe to the record – a tight, funky blend of jazzy riffing and Brazilian percussion, all put together at a level that almost reminds us of Kudu Records at its best – lean, soulful, and surprisingly focused throughout – a great step forward for Gandelman, and for percussionist Juliano Zanoni, who co-arranged the set with Leo, and also wrote most of the tunes. Supposedly, the record never saw the light of day when it was recorded – making this sweet Far Out package its first-ever release! Titles include "Safari", "Pau Grande", "April 7th", "Dance", "Prince Samba", "Groove In The Head", "Pirulito", and "Charlie 1". CD

Sweet and jazzy pop from early 70s Brazil – a great little album that we'd rank with our favorites by Marcos Valle and Edu Lobo! Arthur Verocai isn't nearly as well-known as those two, but he works in a similar territory – taking jazz, large arrangements, and nice touches of electric funk – and working them into a groove that has the soaring and ambitious feel of the best post-Tropicalia work of 70s Brazil! This rare gem was self-produced, and fell of the map almost as soon as it was released – but it really deserves wider recognition, and shines with a depth that makes it an instant classic to our ears! Titles include "Presente Grego", "Caboclo", "Pelas Sombras", "O Mapa", "Sylvia", "Karina", "Velho Parente", and "Dedicada A Ela". CD

A fantastic Deodato album from 1973! Although this was recorded at the same time as his American releases on CTI, the album has much more of the flavor of his tighter, jazzier, earlier work – with loads of funky keyboards, and lots of shorter tracks that drive along nicely with interplay between electric bass and Brazilian rhythms. The whole thing's a wonderful bit of electric Brazil from the 70s - with a groove that's hard to match by other albums. Some tracks have been issued on the CD Os Catedratecos 73 – but there appear to be other ones here too. Titles include "Skyscrapers", "Flap", "Rudys", "Soccer Game", "The Byrd", "Elizeth", "Boy Meets Girl", "The First Stone", "Cary & Carole", and "Down The Hill". CD

A wonderful release on the Trama label – very much in the tradition of Trama's blending of new and old Brazilian styles! Jair is a wonderful singer – with a warm soulful voice that's instantly captivating, and which sounds even better set in the album's well-crafted arrangements. There's bits of jazz and electronics flowing through the mix, but the overall presentation leaves Jair plenty of room to take the lead, interacting magically with guitar and keyboards, and sounding better and better with each new song! Titles include "Bom Dia Anjo", "Dor De Ressaca", "Frio Pra Bem Longe", "Uma Outra Beleza", "Ficar No Escuro", "Local Proibido", "Falso Amor", and "Sou Teu Nego". CD