Album of the Week – 08-19-24
WDNA Album of the Week: Antonio Adolfo – “Love Cole Porter”
An Album Review by Michael Valentine, 88 Jazz Place
Antonio Adolfo’s Love Cole Porter is a heartfelt homage to a genius whose music shaped the soundscape of both American and Brazilian jazz. Adolfo expertly blends Brazilian rhythms—samba, toada, ijexá—with Porter’s timeless melodies, paying tribute to the connection that legends like Antonio Carlos Jobim shared with Porter’s music. Adolfo draws from his lifelong love for Porter, infusing tracks with the vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro’s musical history. Supported by an elite ensemble of musicians like Lula Galvão on guitar and Jessé Sadoc on trumpet, the album is a masterclass in how jazz standards can evolve through cultural fusion. The arrangements keep the essence of Porter while immersing them in the warmth and complexity of Brazilian jazz.
Listening to Love Cole Porter, one can’t help but feel that Porter’s music—so influential to Bossa Nova pioneers—has come full circle, now reimagined with new harmonies and rhythms that speak to Adolfo’s unique musical journey. Each track, whether adorned with delicate flute passages from Marcelo Martins or the subtle swing of Rafael Barata’s drums, feels like a conversation between past and present. Antonio Adolfo’s passion for both Porter and Brazilian music makes this album more than a reinterpretation—it’s a celebration of a timeless connection that transcends borders.
For those seeking an album that bridges the elegance of classic jazz and the rhythmic soul of Brazil, Love Cole Porter is essential listening.
Join the Conversation
Join us this week on WDNA as we delve into “Love Cole Porter,” our Album of the Week, and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Antonio Adolfo to the world of jazz. Connect with us on social media and let us know which track resonated with you the most.
Explore More
To delve further into the world of Antonio Adolfo, visit his Home page where you can purchase the album and discover more about this incredible artist. Congratulations to Antonio Adolfo and his trio for crafting such a remarkable album. I look forward to hearing more from them in the future.
Stay tuned for more album reviews and updates from WDNA, your home for serious jazz.
By Michael Valentine, 88 Jazz Place at WDNA – Your trusted voice in the jazz community.
A must-listen for jazz enthusiasts seeking an inventive cultural fusion.
- Antonio Adolfo – piano/vocals
- Lula Galvão – guitar
- Jorge Helder – double bass
- Rafael Barata – drums/percussion
- Dada Costa – percussion
- Jessé Sadoc – trumpet/flugelhorn
- Danilo Sinna – alto sax
- Marcelo Martins – tenor sax/flute
- Rafael Rocha – trombone
Record label: AAM Music
Released date: June 10, 2024
Sign up for WDNA’s weekly Newsletter. Receive the Album of the Week in your inbox.
Each week, WDNA music director, Michael Valentine shares his album of the week. Michael’s picks often focus on new jazz releases, but sometimes dip into history with notable and classic releases worth revisiting.
