The Ipanemas - Que Beleza (2010)

Along with Wilson’s vocal and Conti’s drumming it’s the trombone that defines the Ipanemas sound. Vitor Santos is regarded as one of Brazil’s finest horn players in Brazilian music, which is clear the instant his first notes breeze out in opener ‘Que Beleza de Nega’. With the deep bass of Jorge Helder, stunning arrangements, intricate song writing, and magical layered musicianship ‘Que Beleza’ is a quality record that stands alongside their previous work. The addition of lady crooner Áurea Martins has added yet more Brazilian musical heritage to the band. Martins brings a vocal full of life and a serious roots edge to four tracks on the album in memorable back and forth duets with Wilson including standouts ‘Festa Indigesta’, ‘Lembranças’, and heavy, warped Afro closer ‘Eparrei’.