Wolf: Brazilian music was a fascination for some jazz musicians---even before the days of Stan Getz in the early sixties when he helped to blend the "bossa nova," specifically, into the jazz vocabulary---with its beautiful melodies, sensual rhythms, sophisticated harmonies, and strong percussive elements. Today, some portion of the Brazilian experience is part of most jazz players and/or their repertoire. And for some, it has become an even greater passion. Over the years, while playing in the big bands of both Maria Schneider and Toshiko Akiyoshi, Dave Pietro made several trips to Brazil. He was so intrigued by what he heard that he returned on his own, and his experiences there had enough of a musical impact that he was inspired to put together both a CD and a band.

The CD, " Embrace-Impressions of Brazil," includes mostly Pietro originals, but also two beautiful tunes by the Brazilian composer, Edu Lobo: "CANTO TRISTE" and "CHORO BANDIDO." Both are pearls. The former, as performed on the album with Pietro playing the C Melody sax (maybe, his best instrument), is a lovely, unvarnished arrangement of this soothing poem, and includes a handsome accompaniment by guitarist Pete McCann. Unfortunately, on this night at the Cornelia Street Café, good karma eluded the musicians; most of the performance was impaired by a poor audio mix. Specifically, David Berkman, the pianist was over-miked, and too prominent with his aggressive attack. This unfavorable situation was, at least, partially responsible for "CANTO TRISTE'S" transformation from a fine gem into a jagged stone.