The Sons of Brasil - Stanton Kessler

The “Sons of Brasil” CD is temporarily out of stock.

Personnel

Stan Kessler trumpet, flugelhorn, percussion
Doug Auwarter drums, percussion
Danny Embrey acoustic and electric guitars
Wayne Hawkins keyboards
Greg Whitfield bass
Gary Helm percussion

Special Event Appearances

Spokane, Wa. Community College Jazz Festival (with Paquito D’rivera)
Kansas City Jazz & Blues Festival
Jazz in June, Lincoln, Neb.
18th & Vine Heritage Festival
Corporate Woods Jazz Festival
Trails West Festival, St. Joseph, Mo.
Parkville Jazz Festival
Lee’s Summit Jazz Festival

In Kansas City, there is a popular jazz group that has performed every week since their inception in 1991. This would not be so remarkable, as Kansas City is renowned for it’s tradition of great jazz since the days of Count Basie and Charlie Parker. What is remarkable is that this group of native Kansas Citians plays nothing but Brazilian jazz, with a flavor and passion one might think could only be found at a night club in Ipanema or Leblon. The Sons of Brasil invite you to sample these sounds, which stem from their love and admiration of “musica bem brasileira.”

Liner Notes

I had the luck of meeting Danny Embrey many years ago, when I was working with Sergio Mendes and his Brazil 66 group. Danny joined the band and we toured together and became good friends. I also had the opportunity, through that collaboration, to discover how good a musician he was.

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Cut to the present. I get a tape in the mail from a group, The Sons of Brasil. What a nice surprise; I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore, Toto. this is Rio, Sugarloaf, Corcovado, samba, wild percussion, great melodies with sophisticated harmonies, and subtle but driving pulse of bossa nova guitar.

A good musician really transcends borders and frontiers. Here are six musicians from Kansas City that, without losing their jazz roots, embrace the Brazilian style with knowledge and true feeling. You can sense the dedication and the love for their music on all cuts. The group works so well together that, like in a well-tuned machine, you cannot single out the pieces because each one of them brings their expertise and contribution to create a pulsating, dynamic fusion of jazz and Brazilian music. With three exceptions, all songs were written by members of the group.

I had a great time listening to this music. It is energetic, romantic, and well-played, with great improvisations. It is good jazz and good Brazil. This is an album that deserves a chance to be heard. I wish them longevity and success, and I hope there will be many more albums to come.

Um abraco brasileiro and good luck.

–Oscar Castro-Neves