The soul and atmosphere of Brazil flow through the melodic and rhythmic veins of this aptly named Brasiliana, carried by the American guitarist Mark Tonelli. It is a long-standing passion for the culture of this country that has led Tonelli to undertake several extended residencies in Brazil in recent years.
The meetings, the jam sessions with excellent musicians from all over the country, the teaching as well, various streams of activities have allowed Tonelli to arrive with a rich and generous program of nine pieces.
It features essences of samba and bossa, some ballads, and a bit of pure jazz, in a sparkling hard bop style (like Twenty One Biscuit). In the episodes tinged with samba and bossa, Tonelli manages to perfectly evoke the colours that even the most casual music lovers will recognise and find familiar. That said, he does not do it in the manner of a mere imitator. His long-term immersion in Brazilian culture ensures his ability to distill it all into a personal language. It’s actually jazz (and excellent jazz at that) inspired by Brazilian culture rather than some cliché to set the mood in an elevator.
Tonelli invites in his references as much the aspects of Brazil itself as personal affects, such as the distance imposed with his wife, Luciana, that his travels have induced (three compositions on the subject).
Brasiliana is an album full of refinement and intelligence, without the dryness of an academic construction. Beauty and delicate emotion above all.
The guitarist is surrounded by a group of local musicians who are clearly of excellent calibre. Particular attention is drawn to the airy and skilful playing of Rodrigo “Digão” Braz on the drums.
Mark Tonelli – Guitar
Raphael Ferreira – Saxophone Tenor & Soprano
Guilherme Ribeiro – Piano
Richard Metairon – Double bass
Rodrigo “Digão” Braz – Drums
