Search - Jorge Ben, Roberto Baden-Powell, Antonio Carlos / Moraes, Vinicius de Jobim :: Brazil

Another Great Release from LAGQ

Sor_Fingers | Boulder, CO USA | 12/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"LAGQ Brazil is the quartet's first release since the resignation of Andrew York last year shortly after the recording of their previous record, "Spin." York has been replaced by Matthew Grief and no one would hardly be able to recognize the personnel change aside from the absence of some of Andrew York's compositions. On this release, it is safe to say that the quartet is starting to move in a little bit different direction. We hear collaborations with other musicians and a more straight-ahead vision without as much genre bending. The result is that on LAGQ Brazil, we get a lot of great Brazilian Jazz influenced tracks featuring great Latin American percussion work, great vocals and some pretty amazing flute work on the first cut. The Jobim medley is absolutely sublime and there are also some great pieces from other Brazilian greats including Villa-Lobos and Paulo Bellinati. The CD is full of the enchanting sounds of Brazil with excellent playing, tight ensemble and fantastic production. The listener will be delighted with the classic LAGQ mix, featuring all four players mixed across the audio spectrum from left to right. Put on headphones and it is almost as if the quartet is playing for you in a semi-circle around you. Fans of the LAGQ will not be disappointed by Andrew York's departure as there is plenty for the guitar quartet fans to indulge in here."