Sergio Pereira, Bossa+ Review

Sergio Pereira’s “Bossa+”: The Flow of Brazilian Rhythms and Jazz Sophistication

by Ferell Aubre

Sergio Pereira, the accomplished vocalist, guitarist, arranger, and composer, returns with his latest album, Bossa+, released under Tiger Turn, LLC. Known for his expressive guitar work and evocative vocals, Pereira continues exploring and expanding Brazilian music’s boundaries, blending it seamlessly with jazz elements. This album builds on the foundation laid by his previous works, Swingando and Nu Brasil, while also showing a remarkable evolution from his award-winning album Finesse, released in 2022.

Bossa+ is a collection of seven tracks that show Pereira’s deep connection to his Brazilian roots and his assimilation of contemporary music influences. The ensemble consists of trumpeter Chipi Chacon, pianist Luis Guerra, bassist Ariel Ramirez, and drummer Mauricio Zottarelli. Special guest appearances by renowned artists like Romero Lubambo and Ivan “Melon” Lewis further enrich the album’s sonic palette.

“Bossa” is characterized by Pereira’s warm nylon-strung guitar and Chacon’s lyrical flugelhorn. The melody is light and romantic, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws listeners into the album’s world of rich Brazilian sounds. “Sea of Love” introduces a contemporary straight eight feel tinged with Latin rhythms. Pereira’s vocals, delivered in his native Portuguese, add an authentic touch to the composition. Chacon’s muted trumpet provides a soft, romantic counterpoint, enhancing the song’s overall mood.

The album’s centerpiece, “One for Pat,” features a different ensemble, including Lubambo on violao and Lewis on piano. The interplay between the musicians is exceptional, with Pereira’s wordless vocals blending harmoniously with his guitar. Lubambo’s violao solo is characterized by driving lines and eloquent melodies, while Lewis’ piano solo develops motifs from the song’s theme, building a compelling musical narrative.

“Montgo” offers an upbeat and energetic vibe, with its driving Latin rhythm from Machado and Martin. Guerra’s piano brings passion and fluidity, adding an extra layer of excitement to the track. The composition’s varied sections provide a sense of journey and exploration, keeping the listener engaged throughout.

In “Saudades,” the interaction between Pereira and Lubambo highlights their deep connection and mastery of the genre’s subtleties. Pereira’s skill in crafting compositions that enable the ensemble to build and convey emotions is crucial to the album’s success and allure.

“Desamor (Verão Boreal),” with Pereira’s soft vocals in Portuguese, again brings in Pereira’s cultural richness, resonating deeply with listeners. Chacon’s trumpet, with its soulful fills, complements Pereira’s vocal delivery through this R&B-infused Latin feel.

The album concludes with a vibrant rendition of the jazz standard “There Will Never Be Another You.” The ensemble’s seamless integration of straight-ahead jazz and Latin elements showcases their versatility and musicality. Pereira’s guitar solo is particularly energetic, showing a diverse array of talents.

Bossa+ represents a further exploration of Pereira’s musical heritage. I reviewed his previous album, Finesse, which you can read HERE. While Finesse celebrated the romance and beauty of Latin sounds, focusing on smooth, sensual compositions, Bossa+ expanded the scope to include a broader spectrum of Brazilian, Latin jazz, and jazz influences. This album highlights Pereira’s skill as a composer and performer and underscores his commitment to exploring new musical horizons.

In comparing the two albums, it’s evident that Pereira has a gift for crafting catchy melodies with different genres to create cohesive, emotionally resonant Latin jazz music. Bossa+ captures his ongoing musical journey, offering a rich collection of Brazilian rhythms and Latin jazz sophistication. It’s an album that honors the traditions of bossa nova and Brazilian music while creating a fresh and contemporary sound.