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Mark Weinstein: Jazz Brasil

By C. Michael Bailey
January 17, 2011
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Flautist Mark Weinstein has enjoyed impressive success with his almost yearly releases. Timbasa (Jazzhead Records, 2010), Tales from the Earth (With Omar Sosa) (Ota Records, 2009) and Straight No Chaser (Jazzhead Records, 2008) were all favorably reviewed within these sacred electrons. Weinstein belongs to an elite club of jazz flautists, a necessarily small one that includes

Herbie Mann

flute
1930 - 2003

" data-original-title="" title="">Herbie Mann,

James Moody

woodwinds
1925 - 2010

" data-original-title="" title="">James Moody,

Frank Wess

saxophone, tenor
1922 - 2013

" data-original-title="" title="">Frank Wess, and

Eric Dolphy

woodwinds
1928 - 1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Eric Dolphy; the flute is a demanding mistress in jazz.

Over the course of his career, Weinstein has revealed himself, on flute, like the late

Steve Lacy

saxophone, soprano
1934 - 2004

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Lacy did, on soprano saxophone, as a superb interpreter of

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk. Weinstein can scarcely keep himself from tackling at least one Monk composition on each recording, and Jazz Brasil sports two covers, "I Mean You" and "Ruby My Dear." The soft, approachable nature of Weinstein's flute, coupled with the precise and inspired playing of pianist

Kenny Barron

piano
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Barron, transforms Monk's jagged edges into bright and refined diamond faces. The cranky "I Mean You" becomes a devilishly timed tome, propelled by its idiosyncrasies. The balladic "Ruby My Dear" is treated with great care, Weinstein caressing the melody softly.

The presence of bassist

Nilson Matta

bass, acoustic
b.1949

" data-original-title="" title="">Nilson Matta increases the recording date's Brazilian density, his "Sambrusco" the most Latin-driven piece on the recording. Weinstein contributes "Dawn's Early Light," a lilting ballad, sweetly played. Weinstein tips his hat to Herbie Mann by covering the late flautist's "Memphis Underground" on bass flute, which Weinstein wields with the same dexterity as baritone saxophonist

Gerry Mulligan

saxophone, baritone
1927 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Gerry Mulligan did with his big horn. There is much to like here, and like often.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

I Mean You; Triste; Nefertiti; Brasil; Ruby My Dear; Sambrusco; Dawn's Early Light; Memphis Underground; If You Never Come to Me; Isotope.

Personnel

Mark Weinstein

flute

Mark Weinstein: concert, alto and bass flutes; Kenny Barron: piano; Nilson Matta: bass; Marcello Pellitteri: drums.

Album information

Title: Jazz Brasil | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Jazzheads

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