01/03/0005 PETER CULSHAW / SONGLINES

AN AMBITIOUS ALBUM THAT’S NEARLY FANTASTIC

Chris Wells has obviously had a ball making this ambitious project, which was recorded in Rio, Salvador, São Paulo, Memphis and London. He managed to talk some top Brazilian musicians into collaborating on the album, a particular coup being the celbrated songwriter Ivan Lins, who sings his own charming song, “Velas Içadas”. The rest of the album consists of Wells’ music, with Portuguese words from three lyricists. Other top Brazilians on board include drummer Téo Lima and bassist Sizão Machado. But what shifts the album in a different direction is the Memphis connection, specifically Charlie Wood’s Hammond playing, which provides R&B and soul elements, and includes exciting work-outs on tracks such as “Atabaque”.....

This is a superior MPB record with a unique Memphis spice, which Brazilian music lovers will find much to admire in. And if Wells could get all these musicians togetehr on tour, which might be aa tall order, it could be sensational........



Peter Culshaw/ SONGLINES March/April 2005