Brazilliance by Marco Figueira

18 Feb

Written by Mark Keresman
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Sure, the title isn't exactly modest, but this is indeed a nice platter in the jazz-inflected Brazilian pop mode of Milton Nascimento and Antonio Carlos Jobim. While Mr. Figueira doesn't have the vocal chops of either gent, he does share their feel for elegant melody, while his voice has a touch more urban grit. The backing is suitably tasteful/tasty -- the melodies "percolate" in a vivacious manner as the ensemble judiciously expounds on them. The sultry and sparkling acoustic guitar playing of Paulo A. Tavares will warm the room by at least 10 degrees, and Eumir Deodato's arrangements for strings add just the right touch of cosmopolitan sweetness. The program is a mix of mellow originals and Brazilian standards like "Corcovado (Quiet Nights)" and O Barquinho (Little Boat)." While Brazilliance is not the album to make Mr. MF a household name in North America, this will warm the cockles of the hearts of fans of the genre. [release date: June 1]