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The phrase “smooth as silk” comes to mind on an initial listen to Brazilian-Bostonian Fernando Holz's Minh' Alma Nua (My Nude Soul). His vocal style, like that of fellow countryman Milton Nascimento, flows like a cool stream of crystalline water in front of an always crisp rhythm section, augmented by the lush harmonics of a string section.
The mix is perfectly done. Romero Lubambo, on guitar, counterpoints the clean seamless flow, adding an almost bluesy bite on his solo on “Diaspora Brasileira,” while Paulo Braga—who is especially adept at the cymbal work—drops splashes of color into the mix; and pianist Rebecca Cline sprinkles delicate raindrops against the surface tension on “Outro Outono.”
The finale, “Erika,” a song of joyous love, showcase Holz's vocal talents with just Lumbambo's accoustic guitar on a sensuous uptempo duet that I'd love to have seen them perform—such energy there.
The arrangemnts, by Zeca Barros, are superb, the use of strings done judiciously, whispering in at just the right momement before fading off to let the rhythm team and vocalist carry the show. A flawless production of the Brazilian jazz-pop sound.
~ Dan McClenaghan
- All About Jazz
Indeed, composer-vocalist Holz bares it all......So, soothing, so smooth & simple, yet so profound & forthcoming. Latinos ''speak'' through their music, certainly Fernando speaks to us so beautifully through his. I can't help compare Fernando's efforts to the great ''Jobim.''
I don't draw this adjunct to lessen the musical impact one enjoys from this wonderful disc, rather to put it into the category of music that is paramount. Holz's addition of strings as well to the CD gives his efforts something that transcends the intangible, raising what he creates for his listeners more to the level of pure art. Folks, this is the real deal!!
George W. Carroll/The Musicians' Ombudsman
- EjazzNews.com
With first impression in hand, I equate this music with the sultry ambiance and fire of a Sarasota sun off shore just as the peaceful blanket of nightfall enter ones life. They both are dramatic and full of intrigue, if you allow them to be. Fernando Holz’s 2004 release “Minh” Alma Nua” (My Nude Soul) is a vocal therapist for the unsettled spirit. A wonderful array of harmonic tones and sensitive lyrics combined with strong composition, allow this to be a successful, emotional awakening.
This Brazilian vocalist accomplishes the arduous task of mixing emotions musically. However the backdrop of musicians have just as much an effect on the impact this project has to the listener. Romero Lubambo on guitar, Rebecca Cline and Gilson Schachink on keys, Paulo Braga carrying the sticks, and Jose Pienasola on bass makes the vocals of Mr. Holz become a poetic symphony in jazz.
Mr. Holz not only allows the listener to embrace his vocal offerings, but the lyrics are pure, not just scripted but felt as if he experienced each cut somewhere down his life’s journey. That is elegance in my eyes, for words do capture moments that sound may miss, therefore, the marriage of these two gifts makes this effort that much more well-designed and thought out.
Segredos De Laetitia (Laetitia’s Secrets) is an extraordinary piece and very suitable as a gateway cut. It introduces the whole project as a statement inviting the listener to feel and be felt with numerous sensations. The strings throughout this cut stabilize the effect being the love offered to one by another and the bond that ignites.
Estacao (Station) is a very strong piece about life and loneliness, the station being the fulcrum of decision. The melody and tone make the message work. That message however will be different to each listener. Strong strings and percussion make this one of the premiere pieces on this production.
Mr. Holz has delivered a well-composed and finely tuned piece of Brazilian Pop-Jazz that is crying out to be heard, and it will be. “Minh” Alma Nua” (My Nude Soul) is an expressive roller coaster ride that will have you keep going back to the ticket booth. A wonderful poetic vocal experience by Holz!
Karl Stober is an international freelance columnist and broadcaster who can be reached at jazztrenzz@bellsouth.net. Karl can also be reached at 1-802-380-6065.
- Karl H. Stober
Discography
Minh'alma Nua (My Nude Soul)
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Bio
BRAZILIAN POP/JAZZ COMPOSER/VOCALIST FERNANDO HOLZ
From Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Fernando Holz first made a favorable impression on the New England music scene as the vocalist with the popular quintet Gandaya, which created "Brazilian music with a great deal of heart and soul, and not afraid to take a chance or two," — Jeff Turton, WFNX-Radio, and appeared at the Boston-area's premier jazz rooms Scullers and Regattabar as well as at the Hartford Jazz Festival.
On his new release Minh’ Alma Nua (My Nude Soul), Fernando Holz sings and orchestrates original Brazilian pop-jazz music that makes the listener feel that he or she is being spoken to personally. Fernando melds happiness and sadness in superior material with an uncommon ease. Poetry is achieved through his sensitive and careful employment of mood, tempo, melody, and harmony. Never stilted or weak in sentiment, the music makes connections with that of the master, Tom Jobim.
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