I normally tend to find out about such things as this forthcoming release on Far Out long after the event. So it’s nice to be ahead of things, for once!
Rather strangely it was my search for Casiopea on CD at a reasonable price in the UK that lead me to the discovery. That quest is ongoing (and as yet unsuccessful!), but it took me, around the houses, via Minnie Riperton – and her astonishing ‘whistle register’ singing – to Honest Jon’s Records’ website, where I first learned of this latest archival Joyce release.
If you want to learn a bit more, try this link:
https://joycemoreno.bandcamp.com/album/natureza-produced-arranged-conducted-by-claus-ogerman
Or there’s this, from Far Out:
As I’m typing this I’m just starting to listen to the stuff that’s already our online. There’s an epic eleven minute version of her famous Feminina track, and – what I’m listening to right now – a piece called Descompassadamente.
I’d describe this latternumber as pastoral prog samba; it’s in 7/8, and seems to be a cyclic groove, with Buster William’s rich double bass very prominent in the mix, and layers of acoustic guitar, percussion and Joyce’s (and other) harmonised vocals. Lovely!
Now I’m on to the epic Feminina. This song, so joyful, and familiar to fans like myself, starts off sounding just like the versions I know, with Joyce’s dextrously nimble guitar work. But once again the lush low register timbre of Buster Williams’ upright bass adds a new dimension to proceedings.
These two teasers are mastered by Al Schmidt. And they sound great, albeit it I’m currently listening over my iPhone! But I read on the bandcamp link above that the remainder of the album has been ‘restored’ from a cassette mix Joyce had. Sounds a bit ominous! Audio cleaning and restoration software these days is amazing. Let’s hope it does the remainder of the material justice!
Hardcore devotee of such music as I am, I’ve simply got to have this! So I’ll be putting in my pre-order as soon as I can. as I’m typing this Feminina is passing the 7:30 mark, and electric keys and what sounds like vibes have entered the otherwise cyclic vamp mix.
If you love groove music, as I most certainly do, and the terrific artistry of Joyce, and that delightful hinterland where ‘70s jazz and Brazilian music converge, this is definitely one to check out.