LIVE FROM BAHIA

Obviously, from the title and the lineup, this is a disk of primarily Brazilian jazz. As such, it's a nice album, well played by Larry Coryell, Billy Cobham, Donald Harrison, and a group of talented Brazilian musicians. This would be a great recording to play at your pool party.

The music stays low key for the first few tracks, but begins to take off at cut 5, "Bloco Loco", a samba piece featuring a well played solo by Harrison. "Panama" ans "Bahian Night Walk", despite their titles are more traditional fusion, the latter being one of my favorite songs on the album.

The best song, and most spectacular, is the finale, "Vera Cruz" which features amazing playing by Coryell and bassist Nico Assumpcao.

The only real fault I can find in this CD is the uncharacteristically low key playing by Billy Cobham. While his playing is good here, he seems to lay back and let the other four percussionists take most of the rhythmic glory.

Larry Coryell another album from 90-s, this time - recorded in Brazil and played with mostly Brazilian musicians (Billy Cobham is on board though).

Nineties are far not the best period in Coryell music for fusion fans. His music long before turned to smooth jazz and soft world fusion. This album is not much different.

Compositions all are relaxed world fusion, based on Latin music: some elements of samba and bossa-nova could be found almost in each composition. But the main problem is not only musical genre - Coryell plays very relaxed guitar,openly leaving front plan to winds and even percussion. Sound is soft, well rounded and very comfortable, but better fits for cocktail party, not for active listening. Musical mix is well balanced, no bright solos or rhythm breaks occur.

Even in few more jazzy/fusion songs Larry guitar sound too lazy and polished to attract anyone. In addition Cobham's drumming is extremely uninspired ( I again and again started thinking his name is placed on album's cover between other musicians by mistake).

In all - pleasant and comfortable Latin fusion album, one between thousand similar releases. Nothing to add.

My rating is 2+.