Kenny Barron & The Brazilian Knights

Veteran pianist Kenny Barron focuses on his love of Brazilian music on this 2013 release. Composer and pianist Alberto Chimelli helped choose the material and wrote the arrangements for Barron and the crack band that was assembled for the recording. The opener— “Rapaz de Bem” by bossa nova pioneer Johnny Alf—features Idriss Boudrioua on alto sax; check out his pleasing, full-bodied tone. Barron is precise and energized throughout the track, which is driven by bassist Sergio Barrozo and drummer Rafael Barata. “Ja Era,” written by Mauricio Einhorn, spotlights the composer’s jaunty harmonica work. Another Alf piece, “Ilusao a Toa,” displays the group’s way with a ballad. Lula Galvao’s nice acoustic guitar statement is followed by Barron’s light-touch solo. Claudio Roditi’s flugelhorn warmly intones the melody of Baden Powell’s “So Por Amor,” while Tom Jobim’s “Triste” rides a breezy groove as Barron plays another finely articulated solo. Chimelli’s “Chorinho Carioca,” based on the chord changes of the standard “Tangerine,” has more delicious harmonica from Einhorn. This deluxe edition includes versions of four songs with added string arrangements by Chimelli.