Pianist, arranger, producer and teacher Antonio Adolfo grew up in a musical family in Rio de Janeiro, and began his musical studies at the age of seven. Ten years later he was already a professional musician, because he studied under Eumir Deodato and Nadia Boulanger in Paris. During the 60s he led his own trio, touring with singers Leny Andrade, Carlos Lyra, Flora Purim, Wilson Simonal, Elis Regina and Milton Nascimento. He also worked with the best-known Brazilian names, and released more than 25 albums. He wrote several books and taught about Brazilian music all over the world. In 1985 he founded his own school in Rio. Antonio was nominated several times for a Grammy and Latin Award. He had been around for years with the idea of recording a CD with a large ensemble, and that has now come. The big band Orquestra Atlantica was founded in 2012. There are old and new tracks, plus one cover. Brazilian music styles such as samba, Baião, Frevo, bossa nova and Afoxé are discussed, mixed with jazz. 'Partido Samba-Funk' mixes samba with funk, followed by the melodic 'Pentatonica'. The ballad 'Atlantica' follows, and 'Luizao' is a tribute to the late bassist Luizao Maia. The only cover is Milestones by Miles Davis, after which 'Saudade' appears nostalgic. The Brazilian dance Capoeira is combined with martial art, and 'Capoeira Yá' is about that. African influences such as Afoxé are discussed in 'Africa Bahia Brasil', after which 'Delicada Jazz Waltz' creates a quiet moment. And closing 'Sa Marina' is a new version of Antonio's biggest hit. If you like Brazilian music (like me) and combine it with a big band, then you are here very good!
Encontros – Orquestra Atlantica, by Patrick Van de Wiele (Keys and Chords), Belgium
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