Review: Guitarist Lee Ritenour and pianist Dave Grusin began their fervent involvement in Brazilian music half a century ago. As demonstrated on Brasil, their first studio recording in several decades, and which is entirely dedicated to the genre, their passion remains unabated. Brasil is a bracing survey of contemporary Brazilian sounds, featuring some of the country's most notable young musicians, including the Swiss-born harmonica ace Gregoire Maret and Brazilian vocalist and composer Ivan Lins. With additional contributons from a handpicked cast of musicians including drummer Edu Ribeiro, bassist Bruno Migotto, and percussionist Marcelo Costa, the overall aura is one of tribute, reflecting not only a talent for original composition but also a deep respect for tradition, best incarnated in the dreamy renditions of Milton Nascimento's 'Cravo e Canela' and 'Catavento'.
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