The consistency of music played by
Claudio Roditi during his substantial career is noteworthy, as he straddles the line between his native Brazilian sounds and modern mainstream jazz. What sets
Simpatico apart is the fact that these are all his original compositions, a first for the trumpet and flügelhorn veteran. It's a lively set, played by the always ultra-melodic
Roditi and one of the very best bands he has ever assembled. Ex-
Dizzy Gillespie electric bass guitarist John Lee, the exceptional pianist
Helio Alves, fellow Brazilians
Duduka DaFonseca on drums, and acoustic guitarist
Romero Lubambo, can headline groups on their own, while newcomer
Michael Dease on the trombone -- with no saxophone, flute, or any woodwinds within earshot -- support the brassy, lyrical, and lithe sound of
Roditi. In many ways, you hear the style of
Gillespie as buoyed by Lee during the hopped-up samba "How Intensitive" inspired by the
Jobim standard "How Insensitive," with an excited
Lubambo, or the sweet, low-key, cool bossa/blues "Alfitude" with
Roditi on the muted piccolo trumpet, and a shade of
Miles Davis tossed in. Even more like
Diz, "Slammin'" has the carefree, loose, and steamy qualities both
Gillespie and
Roditi have admired in the South American music brand. The CD is bookended by seasonal thoughts, as "Spring Samba" has a straight-ahead attitude with
Roditi and
Dease collaborating, while the always terrific
Alves gets into the fray on this one, and the samba-to-bop closer "Winter Dreams." In similar fashion to
Art Blakey, the playful shuffle "Blues for Ronni" has all the earmarks of a standard, and bodes well for
Dease's future considering his fine solo. Lubambo's feature "Vida Nova" also has classic trappings as the brightest tune of the set, perfect vehicles for the trumpeter's lead, the constant support via Alves, and the guitarists high degree of virtuosity.
Roditi's even sings nicely on one tune, "Waltz for Joana," in a crooner style, and there's an orchestrated piece, "Slow Fire," that stands out in its syrupy sweetness. There should be no mystery by now that
Claudio Roditi is one of the very best performers in jazz, and now he can be equally feted as a fine writer, hinted at on his other efforts, but now in full bloom. ~ Michael G. Nastos