BORBOLETTA

If this were an all-instrumental album it would be an easy 4 stars and it would compare quite well with "Caravanserai". Why they brought in this vocalist who sounds like he's from a seventies Motown group I have no idea. It really does ruin for me what is a joy to listen to instrumentally. On a positive note they brought in Airto Moreira on percussion and Stanley Clarke on bass, and both shine brightly on this recording.

"Spring Manifestations" features the sounds of nature and blends into "Canto De Los Flores" where a light beat comes in. Flute and keys come and go in this laid back tune. "Life Is Anew" has vocals unfortunately. The drums and keys stand out and we get some guitar around 3 minutes. "Give And Take" has such an amazing sound of percussion and drums. Vocals around a minute. Organ and guitar later. "One With The Sun" is light with vocals.The guitar is excellent though.

"Aspirations" opens with sounds that build. Sax after a minute. Awesome sound to this one. "Practise What You Preach" features the guitar crying out as the organ floats in the background. It kicks in around 2 minutes and vocals follow. "Mirage" is very catchy with vocals. "Here And Now" opens with sax, piano and cymbals. It settles 2 minutes in to a groove as drums and guitar join in. On "Flor De Caneca" the percussion, organ, guitar, electric piano and drums can all be heard. This is great ! It blends into the longest track "Promise Of A Fisherman". Some killer guitar in this one along with the relentless percussion. "Borboletta" has this tribal percussion and yelling on it.

The drumming / percussion and guitar is incredible on this album. The vocals not so much.