– General Description: Californian Mark Isbell (alto sax, soprano sax) recorded “Encontro” in São Paulo, Brazil. Accompanying musicians are Conrado Paulino (nylon string guitar, arranged four tracks), Debora Gurgel (piano, arranged seven tracks), Thiago Rabello (drums) and Sidiel Vieira (bass).

The album includes music by Oscar Castro Neves, Ivan Lins, Moacir Santos, João Donato, and original compositions by Conrado Paulino and Debora Gurgel. Complicated Brazilian harmonies are played with ease and the entire album is a pleasure.

– FCC Compliant: YES
– Recommended Tracks: 5, 3, 9, 11
– Track Reviews:
1. ***(5:34) Chora Tua Tristeza - Cry Your Sadness; upbeat song
2. (5:32) A Nova Sem Nome - The New No Name; mellow bossa rhythm with jazzy Fender Rhodes electric piano
3. ***(5:56) Da Pá Virada - Give Friday a Turn?; animated intro, then relaxed, then lively, very nice piece
4. (8:00) Doce Presença - Sweet Presence; graceful and smooth, ambiguous ending adds to the charm
5. (4:42) Seu Encanto (The Face I Love) - moderate walking tempo, easy melody
6. (5:01) April Child - medium-fast, nice syncopation
7. (5:20) Porque Somos Iguais - Because We Are Equal; laid-back and languid, lush sounding
8. (4:51) Quem Diz Que Sabe - Who Says You Know; quick walking tempo
9. ***(4:19) Samba Da Catalina - Samba of Catalina; spirited smooth samba, interesting sound combinations
10. (5:00) Deixa - Cue; moderate to fast tempo, nicely builds as a piece
11. **(6:55) Quiet Little Lady - complicated and tight intro, very impressive group playing