Baden Powell - In Paris

Review by Tate Nanje

In Paris by Baden Powell is a masterpiece of Brazilian music. The album is a live recording of Powell's concert at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees in Paris in 1964. The album features Powell's virtuosic guitar playing, accompanied by a jazz rhythm section consisting of bass, drums, and piano.

The album opens with "Samba Triste," a melancholic samba that showcases Powell's delicate fingerpicking and emotive phrasing. The rhythm section provides a subtle, swinging backdrop that perfectly complements Powell's playing.

Throughout the album, Powell demonstrates his ability to blend Brazilian rhythms with jazz harmonies and improvisation. "Berimbau" is a prime example of this fusion, with Powell's guitar weaving in and out of the rhythm section's pulsing groove.

The album also features vocal performances by Powell's wife, Maria Helena Toledo. Her singing adds a haunting beauty to tracks like "Canto de Ossanha" and "Consolacao."

Summary by Tate Nanje

In Paris is a must-listen for fans of Brazilian music, jazz, and guitar playing. Powell's virtuosity and musicality shine throughout the album, making it a timeless classic.