Drummer Duduka Da Fonseca and pianist Helio Alves come from two different parts of Brazil but have done much over their careers to keep the tradition of Bossa Nova and Brazilian jazz alive. Here, they perform a program highlighting the beauty of his music alongside Maucha Adnet, who was a member of Jobim’s ensemble during the last ten years of his life. Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim also includes a stellar cast of musical greats and special appearances by trumpeters Wynton Marsalis and Claudio Roditi.
JAZZIZ
In fact, we continue do discover more about these innovators and their influence through albums like Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim, Da Fonseca and Alves contributes their own originals: Alves dynamic “Untitled” and frenetic “Helium,” and Da Fonseca’s intriguing outré “Alana.” These three modern tunes serve as a reminder that not all Brazilian jazz today is predicated on bossa and sambas, and that what Gilberto and Jobim started still unfolding all these years later.”
Suzanne Lorge . Downbeat Magazine
"Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim (Sunnyside) is headlined by three Brazilian jazz stars of recent years —drummer Duduka Da Fonseca, vocalist Maucha Adnet, and pianist Helio Alves. The presence of guitarist Romero Lubambo, bassist Hans Glawischnig and saxophonist Billy Drewes adds extra heft to the rhythm section and the ensemble's versatility while the involvement of two notable guests—trumpeters Claudio Roditi and Wynton Marsalis—signals that something truly special is in the works."
Mark Holston . All About Jazz
Duduka Da Fonseca plays drums with a stirring, sensuality. It's like listening to crushed ice melt at the beach. Duduka's latest album is Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim (Sunnyside), with pianist Helio Alves and vocalist Maucha Adnet. The music is like listening to old friends deep in conversation. There's also plenty of Brazilian soul and stardust, and a rainbow of moods. A lovely album.
JAZZWAX BY MARC MYERS
Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim finds the two at the top of their game, both honoring and pushing Brazilian jazz in bold directions. Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim is a labor of love from Alves and Da Fonseca. Their longtime relationship, developed through countless gigs and extended collaborations, fostered an undeniably deep and loving relationship with their musical forefathers. Andy Jurik . Pop Matters
Since 2007, drummer Duduka Da Fonseca, pianist Helio Alves and vocalist Maucha Adnet have been presenting the titular program at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola at New York's Jazz at Lincoln Center, and at other venues throughout the world. A concept set steeped in personalized history of varied sorts—Da Fonseca's, absorbing this hybridized style at the foot of the masters in Brazil; Adnet's and Da Fonseca's, working with the late Antonio Carlos Jobim; Alves' and Da Fonseca's, playing together in bands in New York City for more than a quarter century—it's a show that never fails to impress and inspire. There's still no substitute for seeing this band live—as this writer can attest, having had the pleasure on more than one occasion—but this is pretty damn close.
Dan Bilawsky . All About Jazz
Jazz at Lincoln Center Broadway at 60th Street
