This is a somewhat unusual album, featuring tenor saxophonist
Charlie Rouse (best known for his 1959-70 period with
Thelonious Monk) performing mostly obscure Brazilian songs with rhythm sections that are sometimes closer to funky fusion and R&B than to bop.
Rouse plays well; among his sidemen are up-and-coming trumpeter
Claudio Roditi and trombonist
Clifford Adams. Not essential by any means, this offbeat item does have its enjoyable moments.
–
Scott Yanow, Rovi