Joe Beck: Brazilian Dreamin' (2006)

Joe Beck has had a long career, though he remains an artist deserving of wider recognition. These 2005 sessions are a relaxing affair that will delight fans of Brazilian jazz. Joined by bassist Ira Coleman and drummer Thierry Arpino (who is known for his work with violinist Jean-Luc Ponty), Beck's fluid electric guitar (while sometimes overdubbing an acoustic rhythm line) makes the most of each selection, playing a heavy dose of popular tunes by Antonio Carlos Jobim and his own tasty originals. Highlights among the Jobim compositions include the bittersweet "O Grande Amor" and the easygoing "Felicidade." Harmonica player Gregoire Maret is added for the leader's gentle bossa nova "And Here's to You" and Jobim's bittersweet "Falando De Amor." Beck also offers an inventive samba arrangement of John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" that adds a few twists while played at a slower-than-typical tempo, so it sneaks up on the listener. Highly recommended! ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

Personnel:
Joe Beck - Guitar
Ira Coleman - Bass
Thierry Arpino - Drums
Gregoire Maret - Harmonica
Tracklist:
01  Vivo Sonhando
02  Manha De Carnival
03  Aquerius
04  O Grande Amor
05  Felicidade
06  And Here's To You
07  Brazil
08  Ela E Carioca
09  Falando De Amor
10  Zanzibar
11  Giant Steps
12  What Would I Do Without You?
Brazilian Dreamin'
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Joe Beck & David Sanborn (1975)

This cool Fusion classic was recorded in 1975 and features players which are stalwarts of the genre such as : Joe Beck (Guitar), David Sanborn (Alto Sax), Don Grolnick (Keyboards), Steve Khan (Guitar), Chris Parker (Drums) and Ray Mantilla (Percussion). Also included are two bonus tracks : 'Ain't it Good' and 'Spoon's Theme'. (Amazon)

Popular, crossover smash session linking two instrumental pop stars for a 1975 album. Beck played in a slick, light style, while Sanborn, although restrained, would occasionally slip in a hot blues lick or a fluid alto solo. It has been reissued on CD. (AMG)

Tracklist:

01. Star Fire 04:34

02. Cactus 04:58
03. Texas Ann 07:56
04. Red Eye 07:14
05. Cafe Black Rose 04:26
06. Brothers And Others 06:27
07. Ain't It Good 07:31
08. Spoon's Theme 06:56
Beck & Sanborn
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