1. Loie
2. Lloro Tu Despedida
3. Goin’ Home
4. Me ‘n’ You
5. Liebestraum
6. Shu Shu
7. Blue Samba
8. Favela
9. Linda Fior
10. Loie (alternate take)
11. Shu Shu (alternate take)
12. Favela (alternate take)
Ike Quebec – Tenor sax
Kenny Burrell – Guitar
Wendell Marshall – Bass
Willie Bobo – Drums
Garvin Masseaux – Chekere
The
title of this album is a giveaway, suggesting
that it must have been recorded in the early
sixties. In fact it dates from 5 October 1962
– just over three months before Ike Quebec
died of lung cancer. Yet you wouldn’t believe
that the leader of this session was a dying
man. His playing is calm and placid, full
of melodic beauty.
The
album title suggests that this is an attempt
to cash in on the bossa nova craze, which
was still in its early days. Perhaps that
was the impetus for the album, but Ike Quebec
chose a repertoire of obscure tunes and originals
which were not quite in the Gilberto/Jobim
mould, although the rhythm definitely has
that bossa nova sway. The rhythm section keeps
the pulse flowing smoothly, while Ike takes
most of the solo opportunities – although
Kenny Burrell also adds some effective solos.
Ike even turns the famous Liebestraum
into a yearning bossa, throwing in an unexpected
quote from The Isle of Capri. And Goin’
Home transforms Dvorak’s "New World"
melody into a Brazilian-flavoured piece.
Some
people may find this album too much in the
same style throughout, but its gentle understatement
is part of its appeal. Ike Quebec’s smooth
tone is very enticing – even comfortable –
but his playing still contains surprises.
And the word "soul" deservedly appears
in the title, since Quebec’s playing is full
of soulful feeling.
Tony
Augarde
CD Reviews
Blue
Note 0946 3 92783 2 9
