Paul Richards Trio: Empatia

   This album features a number of compositions by Brazilian guitarist Baden Powell as well as ones by João Pernambuco, one of the originators  of the Brazilian chorro style, popular in Brazil in the 1920s and 1930s.

    There are also compositions from other South American guitarists/composers such as Argentinian Jorge Cardoso (Milongo) and Venezuelan Antonio Lauro (La Gatica).

    The opening track, an original by Paul Richards, is a lively yet contemplative piece which displays his fast runs and fluent playing, together with the tight interactions of Steve Thompson and Tony Shepherd.

    Steve Thompson’s Sidewinder-esque funky latin tune Deposit suits the group really well and gives plenty of room for improvisation from all three members of the trio.

    Drummer and percussionist Tony Shepherd sounds like a one-man percussion section playing drums, bongos, shakers and other instruments in order to recreate the sounds of South America.

    There’s plenty of variety on the album with a mixture of tempos and South American styles, together with original compositions and a reworking of the jazz standard Nardis.

    This is a great album to listen to over the summer with lots of danceable tunes and relaxing grooves.

I give this album 10/10.

Musicians:

Paul Richards, guitar; Steve Thompson, bass; Tony Shepherd, drums, percussion

Tracks:

1. Mi tema de navidad
2. Grauna
3. Brasileirinho
4. Milonga
5. Deposit
6. Berimbau
7. La Gatica
8. Interogando
9. Nardis
10. O Astronauta

Availability:

www.paulrichardsguitar.com or at any Paul Richards gig, including The Brunswick Jazz Jam every Tuesday

If you like this:

Baden Powell: Canto on Guitar

Turíbio Santos: Guitare Festival

Reviewed by Charlie Anderson