VA Progressive Dorest V.242 (2012)

Putumayo Presents: Brazilian Beat features 11 tracks that cover the spectrum of MPB, or Brazilian popular music, in its current forms. Of course, bossa nova and samba are here, virtually part of the nation's musical DNA by now. Some of it's not even Brazilian – BungaLove, for example, are Italian, but play perfectly convincing Brazilian music, while singer Monica da Silva was born in the U.S. yet manages a laid-back, suave groove on "Ai Então." There's plenty of Brazilian-flavored funk, with both Bruna Caram and Rogê carrying on and updating the '70s sound, adding more beats to the mix. What's apparent from this selection is that there is plenty of good Brazilian music around, building on the traditions that have been forged over the years, and that in artists like Tita Lima and Fino Coletivo the future is in sure hands.

Three powerful dramatic works from Zorn’s remarkable concert music catalog! Zorn’s unique cello concerto is a colorful virtuoso showpiece for cellist Fred Sherry and three instrumental trios. Ceremonial Magic is a dynamic piece for solo violin presented here in a special duo realization featuring composer/performer David Fulmer and longtime Zorn associate Kenny Wollesen on drums. Closing the program is Zorn’s ritualistic one-act opera inspired by the late drawings of Antonin Artaud La Machine de l’être. It is performed here by the incredible soprano Anu Komsi who originated the role at its stage pre- miere at the New York City Opera in 2011.