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Blues, fusion, soul music, R&B, not only jazz in my blog, but above all jazz ...


Flora Purim - Perpetual Emotion
Their "San Francisco River" opens the album in a breezy mood, followed by a sweet reading of Kurt Weill's overexposed "My Ship." Perpetual Emotion really starts to groove with Flora's return to bossa nova on "Saudade." The subtle, sinewy rhythm is perfect, as is Flora's fragile, wonder-laden delivery. She gives so much of herself in each bar that it's sublime. At 3:02, "Saudade" is too short, but it's followed by another Brazilian classic, Corea's "Crystal Silence." Again, Flora's treatment is beautiful, drawing you in note by note, as the song moves from rubato intro to yearning verses with bubbly instrumental flourishes. Jobim's "Fotographia" is another high point. With guitar and arrangement by Oscar Castro Neves, the song swings lightly around a glowing vocal choir and Flora and Neves's sparse vocal. Almost five minutes into the tune, Airto's samba groove lifts off and the magic comes down--Flora's interaction with the choir and Airto's drumming make for an exquisite moment. "Airto's Jazz Dance" briefly revisits "Spain," featuring some high-flying improv with Flora scatting, growling, and vocalizing like in her work of yesteryear. Perpetual Emotion closes with the intimate "Carinhoso," a lovely duet between Flora and guitarist Castro Neves that shows the singer in all her gleaming, slightly shy glory. Welcome back, Flora!
Ken Micallef

Flora Purim (vocals)
Gary Meek (soprano, alto & tenor saxophones, flute, bass clarinet)
Christian Jacob (piano)
Oscar Castro Neves (acoustic guitar)
Trey Henry (acoustic bass)
Airto Moreira (drums, percussion)