Year: 2004
Record Label: Holz Works
Style: Brazilian Jazz / Brazilian Pop Jazz
Musicians: Fernando Holz (Vocals),
Numerous Artists
Review: With first impression in hand, I equate this music with the sultry ambiance and fire of a Sarasota sun off shore just as the peaceful blanket of nightfall enter ones life. They both are dramatic and full of intrigue, if you allow them to be. Fernando Holz’s 2004 release “Minh” Alma Nua” (My Nude Soul) is a vocal therapist for the unsettled spirit. A wonderful array of harmonic tones and sensitive lyrics combined with strong composition, allow this to be a successful, emotional awakening.
This Brazilian vocalist accomplishes the arduous task of mixing emotions musically. However the backdrop of musicians have just as much an effect on the impact this project has to the listener. Romero Lubambo on guitar, Rebecca Cline and Gilson Schachink on keys, Paulo Braga carrying the sticks, and Jose Pienasola on bass makes the vocals of Mr. Holz become a poetic symphony in jazz.
Mr. Holz not only allows the listener to embrace his vocal offerings, but the lyrics are pure, not just scripted but felt as if he experienced each cut somewhere down his life’s journey. That is elegance in my eyes, for words do capture moments that sound may miss, therefore, the marriage of these two gifts makes this effort that much more well-designed and thought out.
Segredos De Laetitia (Laetitia’s Secrets) is an extraordinary piece and very suitable as a gateway cut. It introduces the whole project as a statement inviting the listener to feel and be felt with numerous sensations. The strings throughout this cut stabilize the effect being the love offered to one by another and the bond that ignites.
Estacao (Station) is a very strong piece about life and loneliness, the station being the fulcrum of decision. The melody and tone make the message work. That message however will be different to each listener. Strong strings and percussion make this one of the premiere pieces on this production.
Mr. Holz has delivered a well-composed and finely tuned piece of Brazilian Pop-Jazz that is crying out to be heard, and it will be. “Minh” Alma Nua” (My Nude Soul) is an expressive roller coaster ride that will have you keep going back to the ticket booth. A wonderful poetic vocal experience by Holz!
Karl Stober is an international freelance columnist and broadcaster who can be reached at jazztrenzz@bellsouth.net. Karl can also be reached at 1-802-380-6065.
Tracks: Segredos de Laetitia,
Noites Vazias,
Freud Explica,
A Verdade,
Aprendiz,
Diáspora Brasileira,
Outro Outono,
Erica
Reviewed by:
Karl Stober
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