Duda Lucena is reviewed by the Borderland

THE BORDERLAND (musicwatch column)

by:  John M Peters

Latin music has always been one of the most vibrant types of music in the pop diaspora, and it has influenced and it has been a part of the mainstream for decades. One of its constituent parts has been the music from Brazil - more refined than the music of the Caribbean, more laid back than Mexican music, the jazz and pop music of Brazil has a musicality and sheen to it that is more cerebral than visceral. But that was always the sound of the Brazilian New Wave - Tropicalia. And so we come to the music of Brazilian guitarist/vocalist Duda Lucena and his Quartet. His new album, simply titled Live, showcases all that is great with Brazilian jazz - laid back musicality, ice cool vocals, more hidden simmering passion than Dallas on heat, and above all that a refined Latin experience that brings to mind those golden sands, the brooding jungle of the Amazon and those Brazilian women. OK, I made the last bit up, but there is something very wonderful about this album - these four musicians capture the Brazilian experience across seven tracks so brilliantly. Along with Duda Lucena on guitar and vocals, the rest of the quartet are Quentin Baxter - drums, Kevin Hamilton - acoustic bass and Gerald Gregory - piano. The most surprising thing is that these musicians are based in South Carolina, a long way from South America, yet with their Brazilian leader they have captured the sound so well.

The seven track titles are: Lugar Comum, Corcovado, Sina, Sol, Trilhos Urbanos, Drão and Odara. I'm not sure where the live album was recorded but the audience are receptive and very polite - not a Yankee yee-haw in sight... But the album also crackles with energy and Mr Lucena's guitar is at the heart of it at all times. Indeed, the quartet play as one for most of the album, the solos are restrained and mostly short so that you are more aware of the artists as a band of equals. If you enjoy the music of Brazil then you really shouldn't miss this album, it is a classic. Available from Amazon MP3, CD Baby, iTunes and other retailers for download or as a CD.