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Helio Alves and Duduka Da Fonseca: The Indomitable Brazilians
ByBoth samba stalwarts have fronted various combos in their long performing history in the Big Apple. For this date, they were billed as The Helio Alves Quartet with saxophonist/flutist Steve Wilson and bassist Peter Washington. Notably, Alves resurrected compositions from figures whose music is less known in these parts but whose works have long been heralded in Brazil.
Opening the first set, the quartet showcased Johnny Alf's "Rapaz de Bem"(1955) and Chico Buarque's "Sem Compromisso" (1974). More rarities followed: Nelson Cavaquinho's "Luz Negra" (1964), Raul Mascarenhas's "Sabor Carioca" (1989), and Dom Salvador's "Gafieira" (1984). With Alves and Wilson sharing the head and followed by exquisite solos from all four players, the pattern for the evening revealed an especial group cohesiveness. Another infrequently heard composer, Moacir Santos, was commemorated with a rapid-fire performance of "Coisa #10" (1965) highlighted by Da Fonseca's percussive pyrotechnics.
This cascade of lesser-known composers was a particular gift for the audience. Too often, performers rely solely on Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gilberto or Ivan Lins and ignore a vast trove of Brazilian musical polymaths. Alves deserves special plaudits for this show as both performer and educator. He will reunite this band on May 28 and 29 at the Jazz Forum in Westchester.
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New York Beat
Nick Catalano
Helio Alves
Steve Wilson
Peter Washington
Moacir Santos
Nelson Cavaquinho
Raul Mascarenhas
Johnny Alf
Chico Buarque
Dom Salvador
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Jao Gilberto
Ivan Lins