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‘Mariana’ was composed by the late bassist Nico Assumpção who was highlighted earlier for his wonderful bass playing on ‘Caravana’. Both Lucini brothers are friends of Polson from his days at Howard University and became key figures in completing this album recording. Leonardo Lucini plays a nice melodic bass solo. Polson uses his multi-instrumentalist ability to thicken up the texture with alto sax, soprano sax and clarinet. This track introduces a Japanese flavour. ‘Flor de Lis’ (Lily Flower) is a nice smooth Samba with some great drumming by Rio born percussionist Alejandro Lucini. This is a real showcase track highlighting a fine rhythm section that gives other members of the band a chance to stretch out and really shine. Some great brass and nice exchanges between sax and trumpet.
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When track 3 ‘Caravana’ (Caravan) kicks in with some powerful drums and percussion, energy levels rise! A catchy bass groove by Nico Assumpção underpins some great alto sax playing soaring above the band which leads into a series of solos firmly cementing the level of musicianship on this album. The track is built around some nice melodic alto sax playing. This foot-tapping track with a funky Latin feel introduces the harp over a rhythmic introduction. Next up is the only original track by Polson on the album – ‘Hipnotizado’ (Mesmerized). This track leaves me wanting to hear more, especially from the sax. The guitar solo by Leni Stern grabs attention over some great brass stabs. Polson’s alto sax playing is melodic and to the point.
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This laid-back version of a Latin classic has a nice groove with a summery feel. The opening track ‘Aquarela do Brazil’ (Colors of Brazil) sets the scene with the sound of the beach so the listener is under no illusion where the album is taking them. ‘Colors of Brazil’ follows chart-topping success for his 2019 album ‘For Lovers Only’. Having completed successful tours in France and Hawaii before the Covid pandemic travel restrictions set in, Polson turned his attention to completing his new album in which his love of Brazilian music shines through together with his smooth jazz sound, funky vibe and some interesting instrumentations. Being unfamiliar with his music, I approached his brand-new album ‘Colors of Brazil’ with a completely open mind and I like what I hear! As a saxophonist myself, I was naturally keen to take a listen and was intrigued to find out more about this multi-instrumentalist crossover artist. His latest release is a colourful celebration of Brazilian music. West Coast jazz saxophonist Kenney Polson continues to spread the gospel of smooth jazz whilst collaborating with a wide range of musicians across the globe.