CHEIRO DE VIDA

Cheiro De Vida's eponymous album is not necessarily the proggiest album in its segment, or in the history of Brazilian music, but I feel it would certainly deserve a little more attention and recognition than it has so far received (two reviews only).

Jazz Music Archives classifies Cheiro De Vida as "classic fusion", which is fairly accurate. Like the majority of ear- and brain-friendly fusion albums of the era, Cheiro De Vida quite skilfully incorporates a noticeable amount of "lighter stuff": funky rhythms, world folk and symphonic/orchestral instrumental pop ("easy listening?"). There is positively nothing wrong with that, as long as the style-blending is done right and the result is mentally stimulating without being OTT tedious to listen to.

To re-state: if you are looking for something more riotous, noisier or off the chart innovative (=borderline insane), perhaps, you should take a pass on this one. No-one on Cheira De Vida is pounding pianos, violating violins or drubbing drums. Do, however, tune in if you appreciate well-made classic fusion.

3.5 stars rounded to 4.