One of the titles that Milestone/Fantasy licensed from the Brazilian label Caju Music,
Leitte de Coco draws on sides that Brazilian reedman
Dirceu Leitte recorded in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and 1993. The title
Leitte de Coco is Portuguese for "coconut milk" and is a clever pun on
Leitte's name (the Portuguese leitte is similar to the Spanish word for milk, leche, and the Italian equivalent, latte). Whether he is heard on the alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet, or flute,
Leitte favors a very lyrical and melodic style of playing. That approach serves him well on both his own compositions and jazz interpretations of songs by famous Brazilian composers ranging from
Ary Barroso ("Morena Boca de Ouro") and
Pixinguinha ("Gargalhada," "Minha Vez") to
Milton Nascimento ("Cigarra"). This is charming music that lovers of Brazilian jazz shouldn't overlook. ~ Alex Henderson