Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Joao Donato: Amazonas

Joao Donato: Amazonas

By Craig Jolley
February 1, 2001
Sign in to view read count

A less-celebrated contemporary of Jobim and Gilberto, pianist/composer Joao Donato has enjoyed a more diverse career than his fellow bossa nova pioneers. As a versatile, accomplished pianist also at home in extroverted Cuban rhythms Donato has recorded and played with Mongo Santamaria, Bud Shank, Cal Tjader, and Michael Franks as well as with many of the major Brazilian singers.

Amazonas suggests itself as a career summary with some of Donato's best tunes presented in the back-to-basics context of a piano trio. The emphasis here is on beauty and celebration, affectionately and knowledgeably delivered. The improvisations are not overly evolved, but there is a sense of variety in tempo, rhythm (especially in some of the left-hand syncopations), and feel. There is a short bass solo on "Coffee com Pao," but Helder and Slon concentrate on quiet accompanying. This CD offers some lovely music.

Track Listing

Sambolero / Amazonas / Glass Beads / Aquarius / Alegria Pra Cantar / Mentiras / Sugar Cane Breeze / Coisas Distantes / A Ra / Like Nanai / Everyday / Brisa do Mar / Tardes de Verao / Os Caminhos / Fim de Sonho / O Fundo / Caf

Personnel

João Donato

piano

Joao Donato - piano, composer; Jorge Helder - bass; Claudio Slon - drums.

Album information

Title: Amazonas | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Elephant Records

< Previous
Dem Bones

Next >
Dot Com Blues

Comments

About João Donato

Instrument: Piano

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help

To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.