John Stein - John Stein in Brazil (Concerto Internacional de Jazz) (2026)

Jazz guitarist John Stein may have recruited a group of Brazilian musicians for this recording session, but it is hardly an album of what one would expect. Starting off with "Happy Hour," a funky New Orleans-flavored original that would get anyone dancing, it is obvious that the musicians are having a blast. Grant Green's subtle "Blues in Maude's Flat" is a feature for the leader with bassist Frank Herzberg and drummer Zé Eduardo Nazario, while the bittersweet ballad "I'm a Fool to Want You" features Teco Cardoso sharing the lead on bass flute. Of course, there are several favorites from Brazilian repertoire, including a mellow arrangement of "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" and a lyrical setting of "Sometime Ago" (a favorite of the late Art Farmer) that showcases an imaginative solo introduction by pianist Alexandre Zamith, with Stein making a delayed entrance. Herzberg also brought along a pair of originals, including the mellow "It's About Life" and the challenging bossa nova "Marta." Issued by Whaling City Sound, this CD is well worth acquiring. © Ken Dryden