Helio Alves - Trios (1998)

A fine pianist from Brazil, Helio Alves primarily plays straight-ahead jazz (along with a few bossas) on this excellent disc. He is teamed on various selections with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Al Foster (including Cedar Walton's "Bolivia," "There Is No Greater Love," and "My Ship") and on other numbers with bassist Nilson Matta and drummer Duduka DaFonseca; Paulo Braga takes DaFonseca's place on Bud Powell's "Halluncinations." Whether swinging in a hard bop style or caressing Brazilian melodies, Helio Alves excels throughout this easily recommended set.

Review by Scott Yanow