I would be doing you an injustice in reviewing a classic Brazilian jazz album that had already earned its respect in the land of samba, bossa nova and fusion, amongst other giants such as Azymuth, George Duke and Banda Black Rio - so, this is just a reminder.

Originally released on the Artezanal record label back in 1979 when the weather in London peaked at 30 C, I was a mere 14 years old listening to the sounds of Atmosfear, Azymuth and the likes of Antonio Adolfo. The 70s and early 80s were the height of fusion imported from Brazil by inspiring legends such as Joe Davis, now the proud owner of record label Far Our Recordings.

The sound was new and fresh, evoking the freedom of expression on the UK underground dance scene at the Wag Club and Plastic People. Brazilian Jazz and Jazz Funk had a good run before it was no more; and it is said that Cascavel was the last track played by Sean McAuliffe at Plastic People before the doors closed forever.

Antonio Adolfo released 35 albums between 1969 and as recent as 2017; in addition to the hundreds of credits in writing and other performances. There is something burning deep in Adolfo that continues to drive his passion for the arts and entertainments industry which feeds our hunger for this tropical adrenaline-fueled music, satisfying our lost void of times gone by. 

His music is revered by some of the greatest artist of our day and has been performed by musical contemporaries including Sergio Mendes, Stevie Wonder, Herb Alpert and Dionne Warwick.

Viralata was recorded at Studio da Sonoviso in Rio de Janeiro in February 1979 and engineered by the legendary Toniniho. He is considered by some to be the Rudy Van Gelder of Brazilian Latin funk.

Joe Davis has taken a giant step to re-issue this incredible masterpiece and add it to the Far Out Recordings catalogue. 

Be warned, there is a limited number of vinyl releases available as the original copies are fetching as much as £145 on Discogs. However, you can pre-order your copy for a mere £18 plus P & P from https://www.faroutrecordings.com/

Cascavel is probably the most memorable club anthem on this album, played with a deep bass hook and strong horns spiced with a conga percussion flavor.  This was a floor filler for the end of the dance sessions. When the DJs played this tune, we knew it would be followed by the lights being turned on before we were asked to leave the club.

The trumpet and trombone are locked tight, complimenting eace other during the verses of Paraiba Do Sul and Caminhada whilst Adolfo plays his signature electric harmonies emulated by today's jazz funk warriors.

Brincadeira Em Ré is a short two-minute happy infill played on the acoustic piano. Jamil Joanes's funky bass line in Alegria De Carnaval and Zé Carlos's flute in Brincadeira Em Mi Bemol make you think of Brazil and carnival celebrations.

Vermelhinho is played to a warm down-tempo. Although there are not many changes it is a steady beat to be savored allowing time to compose yourself for the rest of the album.

Zé Carlos and his flute dominate the classic Nordeste. When listening to this track, its composition is ahead of its time transitioning from monophonic to a polyphonic structure. This is the foundation of today's modern pop music.

Adolfo is a genius in terms of layered melodies played in Diana E Paulo. This gives the track a rich texture which we all take for granted today; listen to the quality musicianship of Carlos's soprano sax solo that fades with the ending of the track.

The title track Viralata a strong down tempo jazz-funk groove featuring some the tightest horn pieces on the album. Assanhada features an unforgettable electric piano hook, that will have you shuffling for the complete track.

There is more to A Marcha than meets the ear, transitioning form a strong march rhythm to a dance tempo; and a little way in, Teo Lima plays the familiar Amen break making its mark in the dance floor.

I am so please this album has been re-issued, not so I can just enjoy the music but it impacts the unscrupulous profiteers selling originals for the cost of a small car.

Musicians:

Téo Lima - drums

Agenor Mendes - percussion

Jamil Joanes - electric bass

Helio Capucci - guitar

Zé Carlos - flute, recorder, tenor sax, soprano sax

Biding - trumpet

Serginho - trombone,

Antonio Adolfo - electric piano , acoustic piano

Viva Voz - backing vocal

Label: Far Our Recordings