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.