OSCAR CASTRO-NEVES
Playful Heart (Mack Avenue Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Multi-talented Brazilian guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves' recent release "Playful Heart" is an eclectic blend of musical styles and genres that works well. Combining bop, swing and Brazilian, Castro-Neves has produced a romantic and eloquent mix of covers and original material.

Castro-Neves first recorded in 1956, emerging in his homeland as one of the founding fathers of the bossa nova. Since then, his life has been dedicated to playing, composing, and arranging quality music. For this session, Castro-Neves plays guitars, keyboards, samplers, guitar-synthesizer, mouth trombone, and bass. In addition, he sings on record for the first time in his career. Other musicians include Toots Thielemans on harmonica, Dan Grusin on acoustic piano, Carlos del Rosario on drums, percussion, and bass, and Charlie Bisharat on violin, with Gary Meek contributing woodwind solos.

Playful Heart is an evocative, thoughtful, and versatile CD. Castro-Neves guitar playing demonstrates a delicacy and confidence stemming from technical mastery, witness both "The Fool On The Hill" and "Wave." Initially, his vocals distracted me; they sounded somewhat tinny and thus intrusive. However, his subdued vocal style grew on me with repeated listening. Castro-Neves, one of those talented musicians capable of transforming another artist's work into his very own, deserves your attention.

© 2003 - Ron Saranich