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| Stein's Concerto Internacional by Ginny Shea "The key for me, when it comes to what makes something musical and attractive, " says acclaimed guitarist John Stein, "is interactivity and communication. I hope my music is able to demonstrate my moods and feelings, and I hope it inspires people to experience their own moods and feelings." No worries there. Stein has been inspiring his listeners for years now as a bandleader, currently culminating in the sublime work featured on Concerto Internacional de Jazz. Recorded in Brazil, the record is take from a sold-out tour Stein's ensemble played in locations in and around São Paulo. Just don't expect conventional Brazilian jazz … but more on that point in a second. First, here's some background: Stein is an internationally renowned jazz guitarist who was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. His musical affinity ultimately led him to a faculty position at the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he continues to inspire new musicians and to perfect his own style. Over the years, John has performed as a leader or a sideman with some of America's finest jazz acts and has recorded with, among others, David "Fathead" Newman and Larry Goldings. Stein's compositions and performances cover a wide spectrum of jazz, from blues to bebop, and from bossa nova to swing. He has toured nationally and internationally, not only in Brazil, but throughout Europe as well. All of which brings us to his Concerto Internacional de Jazz. While it's not Brazilian jazz in a figurative sense, it is in a literal sense jazz played by Stein's Brazilian band. Bassist Frank Herzberg, drummer Zé Eduardo Nazario, trombonist Bocato, flutist Teco Cardoso, and percussionist Pedro Ito all combine to inject the nuances, colors, and spices that make native Brazilian music so exceptional. The ensemble takes Stein's compositions and adds the richness and subtlety to them that you'd expect from a great Brazilian band. The set was recorded at Nossoestúdio in São Paulo and mixed at WGBH Studios in Boston. This might give you some indication of the sweet dichotomy of Stein's artistry. Not only is he educated in the formal sense, and steeped in the history and tradition of North American jazz, he's able to massage that formality with the super-sensate vibes of sultry Brazil and its musical uber-culture. Concerto Internacional de Jazz showcases Stein's zesty mélange of styles. At each style stop, Stein's gorgeous toned guitar produces unexpected phrasing and unique takes, especially on tunes like the opening "Happy Hour" and its New Orleans' second line groove, the tricky, triple-meter bossa nova "Marta, " and the melancholy "Lonely Street, " which also features the sad and lovely flute work of Teco Cardoso. Stein tackles plenty of musical challenges on this satisfying Concerto, all of which he and the band are well-suited to handle. The result is a memorable and exhilarating blend of North American and Brazilian musical cultures. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |