SELF PORTRAIT - ASSIS BRASIL POR ASSIS BRASIL

Originally printed in 1990, the album is getting a new edition so as to celebrate Victor Assis Brasil's 20-year death anniversary - regarded by many a specialist as the greatest jazz musican to come out of Brazil. More than a posthumous tribute, Self Portrait shows that the music of Assis Brasil goes beyond the genre that made him famous. The 13 compositions featured on the album had been found months before by pianist João Carlos Assis Brasil (Victor's brother) at his mother's house, among about 400 unreleased sheet music written by the saxophonist, which were locked in two suitcases.

Leading the Quarteto Assis Brasil - with Paulo Sérgio Santos (clarinet and soprano sax), Zeca Assumpção (double-bass) and Jurim Moreira (drums) -, João Carlos did a good job exploring the kaleidoscope-like variety of his brother's music. Blues for Oliver opens the album, and it's a tribute that Victor wrote to North-American jazz master Oliver Nelson. Pianist Bill Evans also gets his tribute on One for Bill. Brazilian rhythms stand out in Victor's compositions, such as Almendrix or Samba sem Nome. Other key tracks: Elba, Choral n.º 1, Moderato Valsa and Motif for Piano.


(Carlos Calado)