November 1997

Carlos Martins
Passagem
Enja Records

By Jeff Kaliss

Portuguese saxman Martins, his pianist Bernardo Sassetti and bassist Carlos Barreto created more than half the compositions for this album, with results sometimes showcasing their instrumental mastery and sometimes hiding it under dull, pop melodies and arrangements. Coleman's "Round Trip" coaxes creative lines from Martins' tenor and featured guest Cindy Blackman contributes an exciting, propulsive drum solo to Martins' original "Naif."