On his second Adventure Music release,
Sete Capelas (Seven Chapels) -- and follow-up to 2004's critically acclaimed
Cris on the Farm -- Rio based guitar master
Marcos Amorim gleefully explores the subtleties and intricacies of numerous jazz-based idioms, from maracatu to jazz, samba and even funk. The opening track, "Coisas Demais por Fazer (Many Things to Do)," shows the lighter, bright samba side of his personality as he ensembles beautifully with guest flutist
Nivaldo Ornelas. The wind is so prominent on this track that it's possible for uninitiated listeners to think it's a Brazilian flute project -- but from the second track, the hypnotic, polyrhythmic, and sweetly soundscaped "Sonhos Indianos (Indian Dreams),"
Amorim perfectly defines his deft acoustic guitar style. The journey of the "seven chapels" of the album title is one of numerous moodswings, as he shifts into a melancholy, reflective state on "Bolero por Jaco" (with the help of Ney Conçeicão's seductive bassline) and "Rio Tranquilo," before swinging back to the optimistic, gently toe-tapping "Pedra da Sorte." "Luz Da Lua (Moonlight)" is low-key, but its subtle samba magic, complete with tender brushes, makes it one of the disc's most inviting tracks. Those who enjoy
Amorim's latest excursion should go back and investigate his 1993 debut album O Boto (The Pink Dolphin), which was voted "Best Instrumental CD of the Year" by Brazil's leading newspaper O Globo. Overall,
Sete Capelas captures the more graceful side of the Rio adventure. ~ Jonathan Widran