Search - Marcelo Zarvos :: Music Journal

Music Journal, the third album from pianist and composer Marcelo Zarvos, continues where 1999's Labyrinths left off--which is to say that Zarvos is again spinning an intricate web that weaves together elements of jazz, Brazilian rhythms and classical music in a way that defies easy categorization. Zarvos's background (he's of Greek descent, grew up in Brazil, and now resides in New York) may have something to do with his multicultural eclecticism, but whatever the cause may be, he manages on Music Journal to incorporate strains of classical chamber music with jazz improvisation and thrilling Brazilian rhythms in ways that are entirely his own. Zarvos's topnotch ensemble is certainly a big part of the album's success. Peter Epstein's soprano saxophone beautifully handles most of the improvisatory elements, while Dorothy Lawson's cello plays a mostly supporting role and bassist Chris Dahlgren locks in with percussionists Mauro Refosco and Satoshi Takeishi on everything from the gently swinging pulse of "Gallop" to the samba rhythms of "Avenida Paulista." Zarvos's penchant for sweetly grandiose melodies echoed by soprano sax and cello--as on "While She Sleeps"--sometimes steers toward a New Age tinge, but Music Journal is much deeper than that tag often implies. In fact, for those who like music that falls somewhere in the cracks between established genres, this album's a direct hit. --Ezra Gale