Ricardo Silveira: Outro Rio (Another River)

Brazilian guitarist Ricardo Silveira dabbled in smooth jazz for Verve Forecast in the late 1980s and 1990s, but in recent years has thankfully been driven by his own artistic impulses, making some great music. Silveira, a favorite in the studio for such famous countrymates as Milton Nascimento and Gilberto Gil, returns with an impeccable recording essentially offered in acoustic trio and quartet settings. Given that Silveira is a Carioca from Rio, taking the samba out of a recording is easier said than done-fans of Brazilian music who favor the soft strums of bossa nova will certainly sink into the lovely title track, as well as “Moonlight in Rangiroa.” Stick around the rest of the tempting feijoada, or Brazilian stew, for there’s much more on the plate. Marcelo Martins’ tenor sax places an appropriately mournful emphasis on “Chuva de Manha,” while Joao Donato’s bright piano does the opposite on the cheerful “O Sol na Janela.” Meanwhile, the lovely vocals of Maria Rita complement Silveira’s playing on the duet “A Medida do Meu Coracao.” While Silveira obviously prefers nylon, he is equally comfortable on the electric-his “Viver em Paz” is an homage to good friend Pat Metheny, while on “Choro Bacana” he works the frets while sliding down scales on a funky and fun trip. Muito bem.

Originally Published January 1, 2008