Baritonist Schumacher is backed by two different yet equally impressive ensembles on his second release. “Self Portrait from Another Life” has Steve Berrios playing bells and Sam “Seguito” Turner on congas and quinto. Schumacher handles the ballads, one by Jobim, the other by Berlin, with sensitivity and a hint of angst. He negotiates uptempo numbers, his own “Freak Streak,” for example, with ease and authority. Pianist and co-producer Rob Bargad also deserves credit.
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