GEORGE DUKE- A BRAZILIAN LOVE AFFAIR- LP: SUMMER MUSIC

GEORGE DUKE- A BRAZILIAN LOVE AFFAIR- LP- EPIC RECORDS- 1979
For the second straight day it's been 50 degrees plus in the Twin Cities, which for mid-March is a miracle, or a sure sign of global warming, depending on how you look at it. Anyways, the weather's got me thinking 'bout spring and summer and few tunes say "warm weather" like George Duke's brilliant "Brazilian Love Affair" off of this LP. George Duke's use of Brazilian percussion, (maned by the legendary percussionist Airto) guitars, and vocal harmonies, as well as his standard synth experimentation, give this joint a unique sound that makes you feel like you're at the beach in Rio, or at least somewhere warm. The LP features a great cast of Brazilian musicians who help create great jazz/funk/soul/Brazilian fusion, including Flora Purim, Raul De Souza, Milton Nascimento and the aforementioned Airto. Enjoy the song and the warm weather, those of you in MN.

A BRAZILIAN LOVE AFFAIR

Brazilian Jazz: Manfredo Fest-Brazilian Dorian Dream

MANFREDO FEST- BRAZILIAN DORIAN DREAM- LP- T&M PRODUCTIONS- 1976
Manfredo Fest was an internationally known Brazilian piano and keyboard player who made a name for when he first came to Minneapolis in 1967. He most famously played in Sergio Mendes Bossa Rio group and his sound reflects the influence that his Brazilian upbringing and American immigration had on him. This LP was recorded at the reknown Sound 80 studio in Minneapolis and features a local and internation group of musicians/singers: St. Paul, MN native Roberta Davis on vocals, New Zealander Thomas Kini on bass, Costa Rican Alejo Poveda on drums and percussion, and of course our boy Manfredo on the keys. The musicians combine to create a very dope mix of Latin/Brazilian percussion, jazz, funk, and rock, all with a very soulful vibe. Very much recomended.

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