Ubatuba

Latin Beat Magazine, March, 1997 by Jesse Varela

KIMSON PLAUT

(LPC)

They say New York City is one of the places where music never stands still and will mesh with a wide scope of influences if given the chance. This talented pianist and composer certainly proves it on this luminous Brazilian Jazz debut. With a cast that includes reed virtuoso Paquito D'Rivera and songstress Leny Andrade, Plaut fills his plate with everything from funky samba beats to 'bossa nova' ballads that emanate love struck 'saudade' gazes. What certainly grounds it in authenticity is the persuasive percussion of Vanderlei Pereira and Cafe, one of the hottest 'Brasilero' drummers on the jazz scene today. Whether it's a hypnotic twang of a 'birembau' as in "Mercado Modelo," or a triangle ringing time on "Porta De Galinhas," or those riveting 'panderetas' and 'quicas' on "Samba Queens," it all sets a colorful bed for Plaut to traverse his linear melodic stylings. With an acoustic clarity of thought, I applaud his ability to articulate what he has to say with superb technique and harmonic taste. No wasted flash or blurr! As a working member of Johnny Almendra's Jovenes Del Barrio he invites his sometime boss to join him on "Luquillo," a Sal-Samba romp that shows he can also groove a mean montuno as well. Brass heavy arrangements (featuring the Sacks bros.- Steve and Dave), stunning guitar by Romero Lubambo, driving rhythms and impressive original compositions make this well worth searching out.