Life After That – Airto Moreira
This is the master Brazilian percussionist’s first US release in 14 years. He is a veteran of groups like Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum, Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew, Stan Getz, Weather Report, etc. This release is an excellent review of Airto’s range and style. There is a wide assortment of complex percussion sets as well as traditional samba. Check the amazing didgeridoo cut on track 7 featuring local musician Stephen Kent. Also check #1, 3, and 6
1- Ritmo Do Mundo 5:46 - Standard samba time and rhythm using female vocals, enough subtle sampling to keep things interesting and current.
2- O T’unel 4:30 - Slow flowing beginning. Airto vocal. Rhythm and structure gradually picks up by the end of the track
3- Baba & Malonga Went Home 5:44 - Percussion jam session with 7 percussionists featuring conga master Giovanni Hidalgo (Planet Drum). In spite of the wide range of players the set weaves a complex structure that is free yet tight.
4- Fica Mal Con Deus 4:38 - Jazzy up-tempo flute and vocals
5- Live Solo 10:22 - live recording of Airto on Pandeiro (Brazilian tambourine) with vocals, lots of passion and energy. Good example of his forte.
6- Hala, Tumba and Timbal 5:10 - Fast and snappy percussion session jam with less players than on track 3 so the textures and structure can breath. Nice stereo panning of Airto’s part. Again, Hidalgo shines.
7- Redland 8:39 - Incredible didgeridoo arrangement by Stephen Kent. First 4 minutes are slow and mesmerizing with Airto’s simple touches dancing on top. Also some talking drum. At 4:45 there is a quick change to a fast tempo jam.
8- Mulata and Futebol 5:07 - Another samba, the first 4 minutes traditional. The last 1:20 is electronically sped up to a percussion explosion with crowd screams.
9- Let It Out Let It In 4:00 - Snappy reggae meets Bahia
Steve Reyes 2/2/04