Transition

Transition combines the talents of three brilliant Brazilian musicians, pianist Dom Salvador, bassist Rogério Botter Maio, and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca. Together they explore favorites of their native land, originals, and standards from the Great American Songbook. Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Ana Luiza" is a neglected ballad that the trio approaches in a whispering manner, with Salvador's lyrical piano complemented by Maio's singing bassline and Da Fonseca's adept brushwork. The originals are all memorable. Salvador's "Transition" suggests a lively street dance during the Carnaval season. Maio's haunting ballad "1984" is reminiscent of Bill Evans' dramatic writing. "Drums Vignette" is a brilliant solo showcase for Da Fonseca. With Da Fonseca on brushes, the trio offers an inventive treatment of "Alfie" that avoids stating the theme right away, setting it up with an improvisation before Maio introduces the famous piece. "Stella by Starlight" has long been a jazz favorite and the trio's interpretation is a bit more conventional, showcasing Salvador's considerable chops in a boppish setting, with the rhythm section providing a fluid background. Their breezy arrangement of "The Song Is You" recasts the standard as an infectious bossa nova. Highly recommended.