Guarani Banana
Zé Luis, Z L Music NY CD

by Tim Price, Saxophone Journal

This CD is an inspirational debut Recording by multi-talent saxophonist, flutist and composer Zé Luis. His credentials include playing in Caetano Veleso's back up band and recordings with Brazilian superstars such as Gal Costa, Gilberto Gil, Tania Maria to name but a few If this is not enough, in his childhood he was the neighbor of Antonio Carlos Jobim. The music here echoes the great beauty and musical landscape of his influences and roots.

The thing that hits me from the start of this disc is that Zé Luis takes the listener by the hand within his great musical creations. The samba is there from the get go. As is of course tropicalia, choro and rema-rema. The cohesion that this music evokes is just amazing. It becomes a voice for Zé Luis and a breath of fresh air for the listener. He knows what it is he wants and needs to say and brings that voice to the saxophone in a marvelous fashion. Fresh compositions use the vocabulary of jazz and Brazilian as well as a hint of 20th century structures of Nicholas Slominsky (the think) and an expansive cover on Jobims melodic vehicle Inutil Pasiagem. The feel is so cosmopolitan with roots in the greats of saxophone playing. The elements that you can hear within this great music are interesting. The coolness of Miles and Wayne Shorter. The vivid direction and love of the music being played by Milton Nascimento. But also the influence of Hermento Pascoal.

To my ears Hermento is a league with Bird and Miles. An innovator and inspirational visionary. It brings a smile to my face when I hear Zé Luis making a musical tribute to him. The melting pot of this music, an anthropophagy of style, sound and personal commitment. This music is certainly lunch for all our ears.

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