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Mark Weinstein: Jazz Brasil

By Edward Blanco
February 26, 2011
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Flautist Mark Weinstein has been a major force in the Latin jazz genre for some time, releasing projects almost yearly. Though the body of his discography falls squarely within the Afro-Cuban form which remains his passion, he has slowly gravitated towards the Brazilian sound, releasing three Brazilian-style projects, for Jazzheads, since 2005. On Jazz Brasil, Weinstein presents a selection of jazz standards, dipped in a Brazilian stew to add that special genre flavor to each track. Of course, what is a Brazilian album without a serving of

Antonio Carlos Jobim

piano
1927 - 1994

" data-original-title="" title="">Antonio Carlos Jobim, so the classic "Triste," and "If You Never Come to Me" are also included in the repertoire

The flautist tackles two well-known jazz classics from

Thelonious Monk

piano
1917 - 1982

" data-original-title="" title="">Thelonious Monk, re-energizing the melodies of "I Mean You" and "Ruby My Dear" by adding a perky beat to the first, and a delicate touch to the second. Drummer

Marcello Pellitteri

drums
b.1960

" data-original-title="" title="">Marcello Pellitteri and renowned pianist

Kenny Barron

piano
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Kenny Barron sparkle on

Wayne Shorter

saxophone
1933 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Wayne Shorter's "Nefertiti," while Weinstein stands out with a fiery performance on

Ary Barroso

" data-original-title="" title="">Ary Barroso's familiar "Brazil." Brazilian bass luminary

Nilson Matta

bass, acoustic
b.1949

" data-original-title="" title="">Nilson Matta contributes one original with "Sambosco," marked by an obligatory introduction and solo. Pellitteri follows the bassist and contributes a sublime drum solo to this song with a driving samba beat.

Borrowing from fellow Jewish-American jazz flautist, the late

Herbie Mann

flute
1930 - 2003

" data-original-title="" title="">Herbie Mann, Weinstein incorporates bass flute on the bluesy, one-chord Mann classic, "Memphis Underground," and closes the set with another blues staple,

Joe Henderson

saxophone
1937 - 2001

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe Henderson's "Isotope," which Weinstein used to perform on trombone, back when he played with Henderson.

The music of Brazil is quite alluring, capturing the interest of many musicians, regardless of their instruments and preferred genres. Jazz Brasil continues Weinstein's love affair with Brazil, offering a dynamic selection of music highlighted by more dazzling performances from one of today's best Latin jazz exponents.

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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