For those unaware, Brazil and samba are Inexorably linked and samba is everywhere, from Africa to the Far East, Europe and the US. Having embraced the language, culture, and instructional generosity of master Brazilian musicians, percussionist Steven Brezet brings us Diferenciado, an ingenious follow up to his highly-praised effort on Circle 9, World Traveler.

Furthermore, Diferenciado is a musical tribute honoring the cultural heritage of samba by fusing it to funk, salsa, ambient, and pop.

Featuring legendary Brazilian vocalists Leandro Lehart and Wilson Simoninha, jack-of-all-arranging Oscar Cordero, the rhythmic authenticity of the São Paulo percussion ensemble SP Ritmo, and guest artists from the popular Jazz fusion groups Snarky Puppy and Ghost Note, Brezet leverages ancestral and modern instrumentation, as Diferenciado advances traditional and radically new takes on samba.

1. Familia Brasileira [4:15]
2. Samba Pra Papa [4:37]
3. Chora Chora [4:09]
4. Congo (Interlude) [1:14]
5. Diferenciado [3:20]
6. Tem Bafafa [3:51]
7. Quebra (Interlude) [1:32]
8. Rumbra [4:02]
9. Batucada Do Mundo [5:38]

Inspired with references to Herbie Hancock, funk, guaguancó, “samba rock” and smooth jazz, this vibrantly sculpted new album opens on the impassioned Familia Brasileira and then brings is the colorfully-hued Samba Pra Papa, the gently flourishing Chora Chora and a rather delightful, short but oh-so sweet Congo (Interlude).

Along next is the sumptuously smooth title track Diferenciado which is itself followed seamlessly by the infectiously grooved Tem Bafafa, the quiet growth of the veritably shimmering Quebra (Interlude), the set rounding out on the emboldened Rumbra, closing on the fervently-crafted Batucada Do Mundo.

Musicians:
Steven Brezet - percussion (quinto, conga, timbau, repique de mao, caixa, minor percussion)
Leandro Lehart - cavaquinho, guitar, vocals, piano

Official CD Purchase Link

www.stevenbrezet.com