5LP - Limited Edition Black Vinyl Box Set with 20-page booklet. Compiled by Straight No Chaser editor/publisher Paul Bradshaw & Totally Wired Radio presenter Roberta Cutolo.
Airto Moreira and Flora Purim, the legendary King and Queen of Brazilian Jazz, have captivated audiences for over six decades with their vibrant albums and exhilarating live performances. With a dedicated global fan base including the UK's jazz funk and jazz dance scene to Japan's concert halls, the power couple continues to make waves in the industry – Flora's 'If You Will' (2022) album was even nominated for a Grammy!
The duo met and came together musically in Sambalanço and the Sambrasa Trio. The mixture of Airto's rural Brazilian background and percussion talents and Flora's classical training and involvement in the underground Bossa Nova movement, created a unique blend of sounds that resonates across generations. They have not only collaborated with music legends like Miles Davis and Chick Corea but have also produced ground-breaking music alongside the likes of Hermeto Pascoal.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including Flora's arrest and incarceration in 1974, the duo's close connection with friends-musicians like Thelonius Monk and Cannonball Adderley, their persistence and absolute passion for music have propelled them to the pinnacle of success. They worked with renowned musicians like Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, George Duke and producers such as Orin Keepnews and Creed Taylor.
Having been a part of numerous prestigious ensembles, including Dizzy Gillespie's United Nations ensemble, Airto and Flora's journey is a testament to their innovation and devotion to their craft. This collection offers a glimpse of that incredible journey, showcasing their extraordinary talent and unique sound and it’s also the first comp scanning their 60 year careers.
Compiled by Straight No Chaser editor/publisher Paul Bradshaw & Totally Wired Radio presenter Roberta Cutolo.
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Tracklist:
A1. Jeito Bom de Sofrer
A2. Papo Furado (Jive Talking)
A3. Xibaba (She-Ba-Ba) Airto
A4. Andei
A5. Back Streets Of Havana
B1. Flora's Song
B2. San Francisco River
B3. Vera Cruz
C1. Celebration Suite
C2. Casa Forte
C3. From The Lonely Afternoon
C4. Black Narcissus
D1. When Angels Cry
D2. O Sonho (Moon Dreams)
D3. Summer Night
E1. A Secret from the Sea
E2. O Cantador / I Just Want To Be Here
E3. Light As A Feather
E4. O Canto da Sereia
F1. Open Your Eyes You Can Fly
F2. Hot Sand
F3. Parana
F4. Jump
G1. Fingers (El Rada)
G2. Toque de Cuica
G3. Romance of Death
G4. Peasant Dance
H1. Samba De Flora
H2. Amajour
H3. The Road is Hard (But We're Going To Make It)
I1. Above The Rainbow
I2. Love Lock
I3. What Can I Say?
I4. Musikana
J1. The Happy People
J2. Dom-Um (A Good Friend)
J3. Hungry on Arrival