Torcuato Mariano - Lift me Up (2006)

Born in Buenos Aires, he moved to Brazil when he was fourteen and started his music studies. That was the beginning of an incredibly successful career as a cornerstone of the Brazilian music scene and an international phenomenon. Guitarist Torcuato Mariano has just released his fourth solo project, the delightful LIFT ME UP. The rhythms of Brazil are some of the most entrancing and infectious in all of music, and Mr. Mariano caresses his own beautiful melodies to accompany these rhythms here. The result is stunning, as he moves easily from acoustic to electric, from bossa to funk and hip hop, always with taste and that incredibly smooth signature Mariano touch we've come to recognize and love ever since we heard his debut release, "Paradise Station" in 1992. The first radio single from this album is the title track, and it's solid electric guitar-driven Smooth Jazz, with some fine tenor work from sax man Marcelo Martins. I basically like every track on this disc, but "Wake Up" is especially intriguing, with a certain Metheny-esque quality to it. Then there's "Black and Blue," with Torcuato on nylon string and electric guitars, and special guests from Yellowjackets present and past Jimmy Haslip on bass, Russell Ferrante on keyboards, and drummer William Kennedy. This is World-class top-drawer Brazilian jazz at its most compelling, and I think Torcuato Mariano has outdone himself with LIFT ME UP. This could very well be his best effort to date. It's one of those "gotta have it's"! ~ SCOTT O'BRIEN