TORCUATO MARIANO
Diary (215 Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Diary is the third album by Argentina-born, Brazil-bred Torcuato Mariano. The music is a jazz and Brazalian combination that is simultaneously light yet absorbing. 215 Records describes Mariono's music as "Rio Chill, a new jazz groove that directly reflects the uniquely Brazilian balance of the natural warmth of its people and the rich cosmopolitan life of Rio."

Mariano grew up listening to the music of Stevie Wonder and Carlos Santana, two eclectic musicians who are masters at creating nuanced textures and intense rhythms. Diary shows that Mariano has learned his lessons well. A multi-instumentalist, he plays acoustic and electric guitars, sitar, keyboards, and handles the programming and vocals. Other session mates include Carlos Bata drums, Serginho Carvalho bass, Armando Marcal percussion, Paulinho Calasans keyboards, Marcelo Martins soprano saxaphone and flutes, Marcelo Mariano bass, Andre Rodriques bass, Gluaton Campello keyboards, Gonzales percussion, Marcos Suzano percussion, Yura Ranewski cello, Chiquinho Chagas accordian, Paulinho Loureiro vocals, and Marcela Biasi vocals.

Diary is a romantic, intricate recording full of warmth and whimsy. Mariano strives to communicate his emotions via his music, and he succeeds. His fellow musicians contribute tasteful and well coordinate solos and ensemble playing. Mariano spent five years as EMI's A&R Director in Brazil, quitting last year to devote his energies to a full-time career performing music. With his focus now squarely on his own music, look for spendid results from Mariano in the future. For now, Diary is a great place to go to get your sultry Brazalian jazz fix.

© 2004 - Ron Saranich