While growing up in Brazil, pianist Helio Alves paid little attention to the indigenous rhythms around him. Yet today, he’s one of the most creative pianists on the international jazz scene and incorporates samba, baião, and other Brazilian patterns into his technically stunning and frequently rhapsodic playing. Such characteristics are especially evident throughout Musica, his fourth CD as a leader and his debut recording for Jazz Legacy. Musica sees Alves joined by bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Antonio Sanchez plus renowned trumpeter Claudio Roditi and guitarist Romero Lubambo, both originally from Rio de Janeiro, for two tracks a piece. The nine-song set includes his adventurous interpretations of compositions by Moacir Santos ("Kathy"), Hermeto Pascoal ("Musica Das Nuvens E Do Chao"), Herbie Hancock ("Chan's Song"), Wayne Shorter ("Black Nile") and others. Personnel: Helio Alves (piano), Rueben Rogers (bass), Antonio Sanchez (drums) Special Guests: Claudio Roditi (trumpet & flugelhorn), Romero Lubambo (guitar)
