For those unaware, born and trained in New York, Cliff Kormanʼs journey began over thirty years ago at the Creative Music Studio’s World Music Institute in Woodstock, where he met the legendary Brazilian clarinetist Paulo Moura.

From their friendship and musical partnership a series of concerts and recordings was born: Mood Ingênuo: The Dream of Pixinguinha and Duke Ellington, Rhapsody in Bossa, on the music of Gershwin and Jobim, Gafiera Jazz, a revealing commentary on the history of Brazilian ballroom, and the Gnattali/Monk Project, exploring two of the most influential American pianists of the century.

Since establishing his spiritual and physical home in Brasil Cliff Korman has become one of the most respected North American musicians in the country. He has produced and arranged a number of Brazilian Jazz CD’s, and appears on numerous recordings made in Brasil, and holds a Master of Arts in Jazz Performance from the City College of New York, where he trained with Roland Hanna, Ron Carter and Kenny Barron.

Cliffʼs brand new album Urban Tracks features the inventive pianist Brazlian and jazz classics in a trio with bassist Harvie S and drummer Rafael Barata. The music, which ranges from Wayne Shorter and Benny Golson to Caetano Veloso and Tonhino Horta, has consistently brilliant piano playing and close interplay by the trio.

1. Chelo De Malicia
2. Manhã De Carnaval
3. All The Things You Are
4. Canhoto
5. Whisper Not
6. Fall
7. Francisca
8. Trilhos Urbanos
9. Saudade Do Paulo

Recorded in Brooklyn, New York at The Bunker Studio, the new recording opens on the pleasantly pleasing Chelo De Malicia and then comes the resplendent Manhã De Carnaval, the playfully jaunty All The Things You Are, before the more stridently-structured Canhoto comes forth.

Along next is their luxurious rendition of Benny Golsonʼs Whisper Not and the all-embracing Wayne Shorter track Fall and they are in turn backed by the rhythmical Francisca, the warmly rounded Trilhos Urbanos rounding the album out, coming to a close on the gently fervent structures that drive Saudade Do Paulo.

www.cliffkorman.com