Search - Ravi :: The Afro-Brazilian Project

New and exciting Brazilian soft jazz sound--perfection!

Joanna Daneman | Middletown, DE USA | 01/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Soft-jazz fans take note: the "Afro-Brazil" Project is a fantastic recording. Ravi, who plays the African 21 string Kora (harp-lute) has blended the sweet, bell-like sound of the kora with traditional Brazilian samba, bossa nova and those infectious yet relaxing South American pop rhythms. The kora is a natural for the samba, giving the sound of the various percussion bells often used in that dance. And the cross-fertilization of Africa to Latin America and back continues (as in the popular Baobab Orchestra's "Pirate's Choice".) I have quite a few Brazilian albums, but this is most definitely up on the top of my playlist because it's not cliche in the least. Ravi works with the exceptional clarinetist Paulo Moura and vocals of Marlui Miranda, plus Brazilian percussion to tie it all together and keep it authentic (Robertinho Silva and Armando Marcal.)The mixing of the instruments is masterfully accomplished. There is what sounds like natural sampling, but is apparently drumming and not synthetic mixed sound. The kora itself never dominates, but stays teasingly in the middle of the mix, seasoning the whole like salt and pepper in a soup. The sound is fresh, perfectly fused and true to the genre yet new and delightful. If you love Brazilian sound or soft jazz or world music, this is an absolute MUST. I think this album could be a major hit."

An interesting fusion

Amaranth | Northern California | 06/23/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a fitting companion for Ana Rita Simonka's "Bossa Nova Delhi" in which she fuses bossa nova with Indian classical music."Bossa Nova Delhi" IS exotic&unusual with Indian vocals.



Here,in the "Afro-Brazilian Project",Ravi combines the African sound of the kora with native Amazonian music along with samba&bossa nova.Overall,it's an okay album.The opening samba is excellent,as is "Koracao Brasilero." "Driving to Buzios","Paranagua"&"Berimbao" are fun,jazzy numbers.



The only unnecessary track is "Bird of Paradise" in which Ravi attempts to sing.He should stick to the kora;it's his talent.



"Amazon Journey" is a fascinating collaboration with Marlui Miranda,who's also on Putumayo's "Inuit to Inca:A Native American Odyssey." She brings native Amazon music to Ravi's kora music.



For those who enjoy world fusion music,this is great for a personal collection."

The Afro-Brazilian Project

Arthur Shuey | Wilmington, NC USA | 01/30/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Afro-Brazilian Project

Ravi

ARC Music EUCD1837

www.arcmusic.co.uk

What is unique about this hybrid is that it's too smooth for the seams between its two genres to be discerned at all. This is a good thing. In Nature, most hybrids are sterile. This record is not sterile. Most cuts would be perfect for one of those James Bond film carnival scenes that blend primitive rhythms with international glamor and intrigue so well.

What we've got here is a foundation of Brazilian percussion and woodwinds fronted by Ravi on kora. Kora is a complex stringed instrument that produces some sounds reminiscent of guitar and others evocative of the harp. It's a fast album, with quieter but still kicky moments that would nicely background a cartoon entitled, "It's a Tropical World, Charlie Brown;" Vince Guaraldi in tribal garb.

Like most ARC releases, this one features the best players from a number of musical traditions and gorgeously real sound quality. A keeper for entertaining small groups in one's home or solitary drives."