A fine pianist from Brazil,
Helio Alves primarily plays straight-ahead jazz (along with a few bossas) on this excellent disc. He is teamed on various selections with bassist
John Patitucci and drummer
Al Foster (including
Cedar Walton's "Bolivia," "There Is No Greater Love," and "My Ship") and on other numbers with bassist
Nilson Matta and drummer Duduka DaFonseca; Paulo Braga takes DaFonseca's place on
Bud Powell's "Halluncinations." Whether swinging in a hard bop style or caressing Brazilian melodies,
Helio Alves excels throughout this easily recommended set. ~ Scott Yanow