Pianist and bandleader Antonio Adolfo delves into the past in his latest CD, Love Cole Porter. For those who are not very familiar with Brazilian musical history, the idea of giving ten Cole Porter tunes a full Brazilian treatment might seem to be an outlandish idea. The fact is, Antonio Carlos Jobim and other Brazilian composers were enamored with Porter's music, to the point that it influenced the development of bossa nova. For Adolfo, it was natural to want to revisit the melodies he heard as a child and bring them to life once again.
Adolfo has assembled a stellar cast to play these songs: Jessé Sadoc on trumpet, Danilo Sinna on alto saxophone, Marcelo Martins on tenor, soprano saxophones and flute, Rafael Rocha on trombone, Lula Galvão on guitar, Jorge Helder on bass, Rafael Barata on drums and percussion, and Dada Costa on percussion.
Starting with "Easy To Love," Adolfo's punchy horn arrangements speak directly to how Porter's melodic gifts resonated with Brazilian sensibilities. The heady jazz influence of Martins on tenor and Rocha on trombone provides a sonic one-two punch. A favorite of singers and instrumentalists, Porter's "I Concentrate On You" is supplied here with a subdued bossa nova tempo. Big band Brazilian swing comes through loud and clear during "I Love You," which is highlighted by a blistering solo from Sadoc. In his version of "I've Got You Under My Skin," Adolfo chooses a lush approach that focuses on his piano and Martins' floating soprano. The percussion section, Costa and Barata, get an opportunity to show off their collective chops in "Love For Sale," as does Galvão on electric guitar. On the final selection, "You Do Something To Me," Sinna is given a chance to shine on alto sax. And the percussion section proffers a lesson on how a real samba is played.
Throughout the recording, bandleader Adlolfo's piano work is characterized by subtle, understated grace. Love Cole Porterlives up to its title and then some: a selection of the composer's most memorable songs are treated with dazzling affection.