Grachan Moncur III - Aco Dei De Madrugada (One Morning I Waked Up Very Early) (1970)

In 1969, American trombonist Grachan Moncur III, celebrated for his groundbreaking Blue Note albums Evolution and Some Other Stuff, travelled to Paris to record for the Actuel series on the experimental label BYG Records. His first work there was the powerful New Africa; his second release, Aco Dei De Madrugada ("One Morning I Waked Up Very Early"), revealed a more restrained and melodic side of his artistry.

For the session, Moncur assembled an international quartet: Brazilian pianist and vocalist Fernando Martins, Brazilian drummer Nelson Serra de Castro and French bassist Beb Guérin. The musical foundation is the gentle sway and subtle syncopation of Brazilian samba, interwoven with American creative jazz, European harmony and African-derived rhythms. Moncur's deep, resonant trombone moves between warmth, restraint and emotional intensity, while Martins' wordless vocals lend the title track an airy, almost otherworldly quality.

The album comprises four concise performances, including a distinctive interpretation of the Brazilian classic "Ponteio" by Edu Lobo. The quartet's sound is sensual, spacious and deeply expressive. A lesser-known gem in Moncur's legacy, it is a valuable discovery that showcases the richly melodic side of his music.

Tracklist:
01-01 Grachan Moncur III - Aco Dei De Madrugada [7:04]
01-02 Grachan Moncur III - Ponteio [6:49]
01-03 Grachan Moncur III - Osmosis [9:26]
01-04 Grachan Moncur III - Tiny Temper [5:33]