The exciting Brazilian jazz group Trio da Paz -- guitarist Romero Lubambo, bassist Nilson Matta, and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca -- are joined by vibraphonist Joe Locke for this 2007 concert at JazzBaltica in Salzau, Germany. Lubambo's lyrical acoustic guitar makes him the logical heir to earlier Brazilian greats like Laurindo Almeida. Each of the bandmembers contributes enticing originals. The drummer's intense cooker "Dona Maria" showcases Locke in a furious solo, though the guitarist's percolating solo that follows is hardly anticlimactic. Matta's "Copacabana" is a relaxing bossa nova ballad, while Lubambo's driving"Bachiao" is the highlight of their set. Locke's soft ballad "Sword of Whispers" also blends in perfectly. One could hardly expect a Brazilian group to overlook the works of the masterful Antonio Carlos Jobim, and intimate renditions of "Wave" and "Look to the Sky," with Locke sitting out on both, are the Jobim numbers featured on Live at JazzBaltica. A follow-up recording to this enjoyable concert is clearly merited. ~ Ken Dryden Recording information: Jazzbaltica, Salzau, Germany (07/01/2007). Author: Duduka Da Fonseca. Trio da Paz: Romero Lubambo (guitar); Joe Locke (vibraphone); Nilson Matta (bass instrument); Duduka Da Fonseca (drums). Audio Mixer: Katsuhiko Naito. Down Beat (p.71) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he trio is a tremendous setting for guitarist Romero Lubambo and bassist Nilson Matta, and Locke's rippling and popping vibes work is a highlight..." JazzTimes (p.120) - "LIVE AT JAZZBALTICA is the sound of four virtuosos having a blast even as they try to upstage each other....It's a joy to listen to."
1 Dona Maria 2 Copacabana with Joe Locke 3 Pro Flavio 4 Sword Of Whispers with Joe Locke 5 Bachiao 6 Wave 7 All the Things You Are with Joe Locke 8 Look To The Sky