An inspired collaboration between the veteran 81-year-old Brazilian singer and the American jazz bassist, singer and arranger, 39, their low and high voices blending beautifully and bringing new life to the former’s old catalogue, plus covers and guests including Paul Simon and Lianne La Havas. The Brazilian’s voice is no longer at full range, but is still rich and deep, but Spalding’s own brings out that richness in tone as well as revitalising many of his classic numbers, particularly Cais, Outubro, and Saudade Dos Aviões Da Panair (featuring La Havas) where the blend of instruments and vocals are particularly evocative, with rippling percussion, flutes, saxophone and guitar. The duet with Paul Simon on Um Vento Passou is another successful pairing. Other notables include the charming musical flutterings and calls of Wings for the Thought Bird (feat Elena Pinderhughes and Orquestra Ouro Preto), the shimmering last track When You Dream (one of a few featuring Carolina Shorter). Of two covers by other artists, they are arguably a mixed bag, The Beatles’ A Day In The Life slightly novel in places certainly better inclusion than that of Michael Jackson’s Earth Song, but this album is strongest when more authentic and inventive, and there’s no doubting lovely textures and blends on offer. Out on Concord.
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