Tudo de Bom: Music From Hermeto Pascoal’s Calendario do Som (LKC) is based on the book of daily compositions that Pascoal wrote in 1996. The publication is only available in Portuguese, with limited distribution, and it doesn’t include a recording of the published hand-written charts. Flutist (and trombonist) Mark Weinstein, guitarist and vocalist Richard Boukas, bassist Nilson Matta, drummer Paulo Braga and percussionist Vanderlei Pereira have recorded the first salvo from Pascoal’s musical diary. Of the 366 original works, 13 were caressed by Boukas’ vision-as well as his doubling on several instruments-and adapted for this recording as he conceived, produced and arranged the project. Its harmonic zip isn’t understated by the reigning melodious splendor and rhythmic impetus. Various Brazilian genres, of varying notoriety, are interpreted with highly advanced performances featuring savory taste, grand musicality and enviable instrumental technique. “Song #29” is a jamming Baiao, closes with a bootilicious shuffling takedown, and on “Song #1,” a valsa/marcha rancho in 3/4, Weinstein’s elusive fluting segues into collective felicity. The sooner these cats delve into Pascoal again, the better.
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