One of Brazil's leading jazz musicians of the 1960s and '70s, saxophonist Victor Assis Brasil (1945-1981) recorded several albums that are regarded as some of the more serious Brazilian jazz albums of the era. After studying abroad for several years, he resettled in Brazil and recorded sparingly through the '70s; in 1981 he died suddenly as the result of a rare vascular condition. His twin brother, pianist Joao Carlos Assis Brasil, was also a notable jazz performer. Here's a quick look at his work...
Victor Assis Brasil "Desenhos" (Forma, 1966)
Vitor Assis Brasil "Trajeto" (Equipe, 1968)
On his second album as a bandleader, saxophonist Vitor Assis Brasil proved himself one of Brazil's most capabale jazz players... These sessions, drenched in the moody, textured post-bop of composers such as Charles Mingus and Thelonious Monk, are miles apart from the rushed, clattersome drag-racing of the jazz trios associated with the bossa nova scene of the late 'Fifties and early 'Sixties. There's much greater subtlety and depth, and a more cohesive, controlled feel overall. That being said, I myself am not a huge fan of straight jazz to begin with, so this isn't something that I'd recommend, per se and perhaps it's a bit out of my line of expertise to say just how good a jazz set this is... But compared to all those damn trios, it's quite a nice change of pace. Among the side players accompanying Brasil are Edson Maciel on trombone, bassist Sergio Barroso and Claudio Roditi, as well as Paulo Moura, who plays alto sax on one track. Worth checking out if jazz in Brazil is kinda your bag.
Victor Assis Brasil "Esperanto" (Tapecar, 1970)
Victor Assis Brasil "...Toca Antonio Carlos Jobim" (Quartin, 1970)
Victor Assis Brasil "Ao Vivo" (Magic Music, 1974)
Victor Assis Brasil Quinteto "Victor Assis Brasil Quinteto" (EMI-Odeon, 1979)
Victor Assis Brasil Quarteto "Pedrinho" (EMI-Odeon, 1980)
The last studio album before his untimely death in 1981.
Victor Assis Brasil "Ao Vivo No Museu De Arte Moderna" (Imagem, 1993)
This is a live concert recording with fellow Braz-Jazz pioneer, the late Luiz Eca.
Victor Assis Brasil "The Legacy" (Atracao, 1999)
