For nearly fifteen years, I have watched in amazement as the Caramoor Jazz Festival has grown into one of the greatest festivals in the world. Over this time, some of the greatest jazz artists in the world have graced the stage at the Venetian Theatre at Caramoor, and I wanted to make sure Jovino and Weber were part of the 2007 festival. The idea of recording Jovino Santos Neto and Weber Iago together came as a result of a series of extraordinary salon concerts that I co-produced with Richard Zirinsky of Adventure Music at the Fazioli Salon on piano row at Klavierhaus in New York City. For this holy night in July 2007, Richard and I decided, for the first time ever in the States, to bring two Fazioli D308 concert grand pianos to the stage, and let the music fly with two masters on two masterpieces! Each Fazioli piano is hand made in Italy and it takes nearly three years for one instrument to come to life... and come to life they did with a program of music that I am certain will knock you off your feet. At the end of the night, a great surprise happened when Joe Lovano came onstage to join the pianists with an amazing version of "Wave," by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Special things happen in jazz at the spur of the moment, and THIS was a surprise captured for the ages. Jim Luce, Producer Caramoor Jazz Festival.
I**C
Latin Grammy nominee!
Every time I look into the box of CDs littering my car, I wonder why I still keep buying the things. They can be a nuisance for sure. But this CD has reminded my why CDs still matter. This recording took place at the Caramoor Jazz Festival in NY on July 28, 2007. I had hoped to attend, but a birth was imminent in my family so plans had to be changed. The conditions were perfect for an extraordinary performance. Two Brazilian compatriot composer/musicians, each at the top of his game; two Fazioli hand crafted pianos (think Herbie Hancock Grammy win & a couple hundred Gs each); perfect summer evening at Westchester mansion garden venue; music from some of Brazil's most beloved songwriters/composers;a guest appearance by jazz legend Joe Lovano on Jobim's "Wave".Other reviewers have described this performance as notable for its numerous moments of perfection. I agree. The first piece by Iago lets you know that this is a virtuoso performance on an impeccable instrument. Santos Neto's composition "Being Happy" defines joy and could serve at the title of the entire CD. Listeners have been invited to share in the best that life has to offer. The only thing better would have been to be there in person. Then again, the recording places you on the stage and still preserves all the energy of a live performance. This is a good reason to still buy CDs. So if you love the piano, love jazz, love Brazilian music, or love perfect summer evenings, you'll find much to love here. Live at Caramoor has also been nominated for a Latin Grammy in best instrumental category. I just hope these guys do it again so that next time we can be there, and still buy the recording.
