Duduka Da Fonseca
Released March 5, 2002
Grammy Nominee for Best Latin Jazz Album 2003
YouTube: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=4GNPunW_2eM&list=OLAK5uy_ndUeK6SXHAnvCgH9W8UohXkvvtYvnUXSg
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0LK77s7QqflqxAkRVJ80Mg?si=Xo5EilJuTJy8RT9tZHm4Eg
About:
Duduka Da Fonseca – one of the world’s greatest drummers – brings together an extraordinary roster of musicians in this 2003 Grammy nominated celebration of Samba Jazz. The recording features an All-Star cast including Joe Lovano, John Scofield, Eddie Gomez, Tom Harrell, Romero Lubambo, Claudio Roditi, Kenny Werner, Billy Drewes and others. Beautifully arranged versions of Brazilian Classics including Fotografia (Jobim), Saverios (Caymmi/Motta) – both with stunning vocals by Maucha Adnet – are placed alongside originals by Da Fonseca, Harrell, Scofield, Alves and Lubambo. Da Fonseca’s impeccable musicality and masterful drumming is present throughout making this one of the most energetic, authentic records of Samba Jazz released to date. This re-release will take listeners on a journey of human imagination through Samba Jazz rhythms and traditions. This is Duduka’s debut release as a leader.
Track Listing:
1. Partido Out (Chico Adnet / Duduka Da Fonseca) 5:35
2. Terrestris (Tom Harrell) 6:26
3. Sco’s Bossa (John Scofield) 6:04
4. Bala Com Bala (João Bosco) 5:37
5. Pedra Bonita (Mario Adnet) 5:49
6. Doña María (Duduka Da Fonseca) 6:10
7. Saveiros (Dori Caymmi / Nelson Motta) 5:12
8. Song for Claudio (Hélio Alves) 5:44
9. Berimbau Fantasia (Duduka Da Fonseca) 2:17
10. Pro Flavio (Romero Lubambo) 8:19
11. Fotografia (Antônio Carlos Jobim) 4:44
12. Manhattan Style (Duduka Da Fonseca) 6:41
Personnel:
Duduka Da Fonseca: drums, cuica, berimbau, caxixi, vibraslap, Mica’s bells
Valtinho Anastacio: percussion (1, 2, 10)
Helio Alves: piano (1, 5, 12)
Marc Copland: piano (3)
Alfredo Cardim: piano (11)
Kenny Werner: piano (6, 7)
Dom Salvador: piano (2)
Eddie Gomez: bass (1, 5)
Dennis Irwin: bass (2)
Nilson Matta: bass (3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12)
John Scofield: guitar (10)
Romero Lubambo: acoustic guitar (3, 4, 7, 10)
Billy Drewes: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone (1, 6, 7)
Claudio Roditi: flugelhorn (8), trumpet (12)
Joe Lovano: tenor saxophone (2, 11)
Richard Perry: tenor saxophone (3)
David Sanchez: tenor saxophone (4, 8, 12)
Tom Harrell: flugelhorn (11)
Jay Ashby: trombone (1)
Maucha Adnet: vocals (1, 3, 7, 11)
Alana Da Fonseca: vocals (1, 3)
Lisa Ono: vocals (1, 3)
Isabella Adnet Da Fonseca: vocals (6)
Recorded on February 9 and 21 and March 6, 2000, at Clinton Recording Studio, NY
Produced by Duduka Da Fonseca
Engineer: Troy Halderson
Assistant Engineer: Mark Fraunfelder
Mixed by James Farber
Assistant: Tony Gorman
Mastered by Paul Zinman
Cover Painting by Miguel Luiz M. Da Fonseca
Design by Lisa St Cyr
Review:
Acoustic Brazilian jazz brings an air of celebration to any event. Drummer Duduka Da Fonseca has gathered together an all-star committee for his Malandro Records debut as leader. As it should be, the drummer here feeds energy to his companions and wraps it all up as a family session. His immediate family, his New York “family,” his Brazilian “family” and his recording label “family” form a seamless program that drives traditional, improvised jazz across international boundaries. A native of Rio de Janeiro who grew up in Ipanema, Da Fonseca moved to New York in 1975 largely as a result of his deep love for jazz.
Eddie Gomez and Helio Alves carry a light melody on “Pedra Bonita, a lovely lullaby that suits their piano trio well. Da Fonseca carries the session with a variety of textures from his drum set. Knowing how to balance the various ensembles, he shapes the music with care. There’s fire, but the program emphasizes restraint and lyricism. Rhythm comes secondary here, behind harmony and melody. John Scofield brings in one lovely tune that he’s written, and adds leading edge trimming to another. Joe Lovano and Tom Harrell guest together on a laid-back “Terrestris summer afternoon. Maucha Adnet sings several selections. Her wordless unison with Harrell and Lovano on “Fotografia” recalls the early 1960’s fascination with bossa nova. The naturalismo vocalist also delivers “Saveiros,” a fragile ballad; with Kenny Werner’s firm guidance. Claudio Roditi and David Sanchez pair for a mellow “Song for Claudio that moves swiftly along spontaneous paths. Each of the guests return for encore numbers. Like a barefoot stroll along a shaded beachfront cove, Da Fonseca’s highly recommended debut as leader will appeal to all our readers.
Jim Santella (All About Jazz)
