Quincas Moreira

Many of Airto Moreira's records from the late 1970s and early '80s get an undeserved bad rap because of their obvious – and intended – commercial appeal. Though he came to prominence in America as a member of Miles Davis' early electric bands, Moreira was an established artist in Brazil; one who sought to marry the sounds of his nation's folk traditions with all kinds of popular music. 1979's Touching You…Touching Me was recorded during his Warner period, and is perhaps his most polished record. Self-produced, he learned much of the technique he employed from the best-selling recordings of the time in all pop genres.

Other than a couple of obscure efforts for Buddah in 1970, this was percussionist Airto's debut as a leader, and this is still his most famous record. A brass section arranged by Don Sebesky is heard on two tracks, and such all-stars as keyboardist Chick Corea, flutist Hubert Laws, the reeds of Joe Farrell, and even pianist Keith Jarrett and guitarist George Benson make worthwhile appearances. Flora Purim joins Airto in the one vocal piece ("Free"), and "Return to Forever" receives an early recording. The music combines together jazz, Brazilian music, and aspects of fusion and funk quite successfully.

The most high-profile percussionist of the 1970s and still among the most famous, Airto Moreira (often simply known by his first name) helped make percussion an essential part of many modern jazz groups; his tambourine solos can border on the amazing. Airto originally studied guitar and piano before becoming a percussionist. He played locally in Brazil, collected and studied over 120 different percussion instruments, and in 1968 moved to the U.S. with his wife, singer Flora Purim. Airto played with Miles Davis during part of 1969-1970, appearing on several records (most notably Live Evil). He worked with Lee Morgan for a bit in 1971, was an original member of Weather Report, and in 1972 was part of Chick Corea's initial version of Return to Forever with Flora Purim.

Airto Moreira - Natural Feelings (1970) {Buddah–Skye Records Japan MZCS-1318 rel 2015}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 218 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 89 Mb | Artwork | 5% repair rar
© 1970, 2015 Buddah Records / Muzak / Skye Records Japan | MZCS-1318
Jazz / Jazz Funk / Brazilian Jazz / Fusion / Percussion

One of Airto's best albums ever – and one that we never tire of hearing! There's a sublime quality here that steps perfectly right off of the percussionist's groundbreaking work with Quarteto Novo! Airto's joined on this set by Hermeto Pascoal – also from the Quarteto Novo group – as well as wife Flora Purim, bassist Ron Carter, and the always-great Sivuca – who plays guitar on the record. There's a swirling blend of jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and free-thinking soul to the set – one that's never been captured so perfectly on other Airto albums – and which has a lean, clean sound that's simply beautiful. The overall sound is quite rootsy, without many fusion touches at all – and Hermeto's reed work really brings in a great edge to the whole session – one that makes the album differ a bit from much of the other Airto/Flora work of the time.

Executed flawlessly and recorded with crystal clear presence, the eight tracks that make up this album present Airto at his most diverse. Vocalist Ruben Rada makes both “Meni Devol” and “La Tumbadora” come to life with falsetto forays that soar above Airto's complex and organic groundwork. Furthermore, the percussive battery is supported additionally by masters Manolo Badrena and Laudir de Oliveira (a member of the pop group Chicago at the time). As an added bonus, the late Jaco Pastorius contributes a typically fine lead voice to the dark and brooding “Nativity”.

This is the work of fabulous creativity. Airto largely leaves behind the fusion stuff. The musical stew is familiar yet mysterious and seductive. Twists and turns kept me riveted to my chair and I was transported to another world. A world with Brazilian feeling but with other worldly influences that can't be pinned down. Identity is good name for this album because it so clearly is a manifestation of an artist with clear and beautiful roots from Brazil but mixes with a magic that transcends time and place. Highly recommended, and for hifi nuts the production delivers!

Airto Moreira was born in Itaiópolis, Brazil, into a family of folk healers, and raised in Curitiba and São Paulo. Showing an extraordinary talent for music at a young age, he became a professional musician at age 13, noticed first as a member of the samba jazz pioneers Sambalanço Trio and for his landmark recording with Hermeto Pascoal in Quarteto Novo in 1967. Shortly after, he followed his wife Flora Purim to the United States.