| Down Beat Review of Ron Cater's ORFEU Blue Note # 22490 |
| This is a nice, samba-drenched album, one that goes down easily, perhaps a bit too easily. It's a very good listen but also too readily slips into a background mode despite solid work by all hands, particularly Houston Person, Stephen Scott and Bill Frisell. Leader Ron Carter and Person are, of course, old confreres, having made a couple of highly regarded duo albums for Muse in 1989 and 1990, since at least partly reissued by 32 jazz. Person is as brawny a tenor player as you'll fin, yet has that warm, tender, sensistive side that makes his sound so appealing. He'll remind you of a slightly tougher, more bluesy Stan Getz on this effort. Pianist Scott continues to make stides as a distinctive and creative player. He adds much in both solo and support roles. While its a bit odd hearing guitarist Frisell in this sort of setting, he acquits himself quite well indeed, largely placing his odd, twangy stylings on the back burner. One rarely has the chance to hear him in this subdued form. Carter, who seems to lead by indirection, is the rhythmic rock here, always keeping things moving and only occasionally stepping into the foreground, although he takes over the closing "Samba De Orfeu" as his feature. Drummer Payton Crossley and percussionist Steve Kroon do not impede the progress of the music, adding the right, unobtrusive touches. Most of the tunes are familar Brazillan fare and are handled with a relaxed grace. "Goin' Home" and "1:17 Special" are an odd pair that work somewhat less well but are certainly adequate and allow Person and Frisell to stretch into more soulful areas. The best tracks are the opening "Saudade," where Frisell, Person and Scott shine with a quiet glow, and "Manha De Carnaval," with Person and Frisell warming things a tad more. -Will Smith |
| 3 1/2 Stars |
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