ALEX HAMBURGER & JOSE LUIZ MARTINS

CATALOG OF DREAMS

Challenge Records

Alex Hamburger, flute/vocals/synthesizer; José Luiz Martins, piano/synth/keyboards.

This is the debut duo album from flautist, vocalist and synthesize master, Alex Hamburger and José Luiz Martins who plays piano, synthesizer and keyboards. This album came to fruition after the duo spent a creative residency in Switzerland.  Their repertoire features six reimagined works, alongside two original compositions.  The arrangements feature jazz, Brazilian Music, the Great American Songbook and their own contemporary touches. They open with Gilberto Gil’s composition, “Ladeira da Preguiça” that Alex sings in Portuguese. Alex begins by playing flute, before breaking into a joyful vocal.

Alex Hamburger has composed a song called “Catalog” that comes next. It’s a pretty ballad with a background of synthesized music and José’s sensitive piano accompaniment.

The music of Airto Moreira is the third track titled, “Tombo in 7/4.”  The energy spirals on this arrangement. The two musicians create a full and boisterous conversation between the flute and the piano.

The two musicians have been touring, performing and creating together for the past six years.  Their warm comfort and familiarity is obvious when they interpret familiar jazz tunes like “Detour Ahead.” José Luiz Martins is spotlighted brilliantly on piano during this acoustic production of grand piano and voice.

Another original song written by Alex Hamburger is “The Riddle.”  The lyrics are thoughtful and poignant. “Not everyone gets to get old. But getting old gets to everyone,” she sings. Once she vocalizes the tune down once, Hamburger picks up her flute and joins José in a musical duet.

This is an album whose repertoire reflects thoughtful choices and spotlights the talents and creativity of two very special musicians, thoughtfully arranged, leaving plenty of space for improvisation and spontaneity.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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