Prodcut Description: [More Information ...]
Brazilian vocalist Flora Purim brought a unique approach to her art that profoundly altered the nature of vocalization. She expands the basic techniques of vocalise--where every syllable is phrased like a note played on a reed or brass instrument--to include world music. On the title track her voice shifts, like a chameleon, from an exotic bird camouflaged by the jungle of husband Airto Moreira's percussion effects to a soothing delivery more reminiscent of Astrud Gilberto. By the time she sings "Dindi" in Portugese, her style so encompasses the content that the shift of language sounds perfectly natural. On "Dr. Jive" she dives into a dense fusion of Latin jazz powered by Stanley Clarke's inspired bass and some of the best keyboarding in George Duke's career. Joe Henderson delivers a stellar performance on tenor sax and flute, to boot. --John Swenson
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Reviews:
Great!
This is a very great set, and great performances.
This album is one of the finest brasil-psycho-jazz-fusion albums ever made.
The switch from Dr.Jive to Light as a feather is amazing, the performance of the band with light as a feather (a real Jazz classic) is superb, never heard this song so good as on this album. A wannahave!
Good News for 'A music fan from Chicagoland ' on this page!
"still trying to figure out if there's a CD that includes her rendition of "You're Everything" - yes!! - it's on Return to Forever's Light As A Feather, a fantastic latin jazz album with beautiful Fender Rhodes electric piano playing from Chick Corea among other luminaries, and, as on this Flora's in fine voice on a few tracks - buy it if you like this, or latin-influenced jazz!!
Dreamy, indeed
Two summers ago I was looking for a new CD to buy. Although I was intrigued by "new/neo" soul, I wasn't in the mood for hip-hop based music. I did want to hear something soulful, but whose fundamental component was jazz... and I wanted something that drew on a wider base than the American tradition. The music on "Butterfly Dreams" was exactly the type of music I was looking for. I guess I was really in a retro/nostalgic mood - my description of the music (though uninformed) is that it's similar to some of Stevie Wonder's 70's music, only authentically (as opposed to ostensibly) rooted in jazz. It has all of the elements of an enjoyable jazz or popular album - the solos are fun, and the melodies range from joyful to melancholic. The musicians are all jazz legends in their own right, and Flora herself is a refreshingly unique and inspirational vocalist. Much of what I said above applies to "Open Your Eyes You Can Fly" as well (though it's much more energetic and varied), but I prefer "Butterfly Dreams" - the mood is more consistent (mellow - even the more up-tempo songs are light and "dreamy") and the songs are more haunting.
there were many over indulgences in the 70's
... earth muffinish philosophies translated into boring music were some of the least harmful. this is a good example. maybe 1.5 tunes on this album are worth listening to more than once. in fairness, the same could be said for many artists and albums of this genre.
Classic
After wearing out the grooves in the original LP, it's wonderful to have this CD. Flora's music took me through college and I introduced her to many others. It's lovely to hear Butterfly Dreams, Dindi, Moon Dreams, and Light As A Feather again. I'm still trying to figure out if there's a CD that includes her rendition of "You're Everything". That was special. If anyone can clue me in, please do.
