Sadao Watanabe - Naturally (2015/2016)

For the recording of Naturally (at the Visom Studios in Rio de Janeiro), Sadao Watanabe chose some of Brazil’s fantastic musicians to accompany him: Jaques Morelenbaum (cello), Lula Galvão (guitar), Itamar Assieri (piano), Alberto Continentino (bass), Paulo Braga (drums), and Sidinho Moreira (percussion). The music is, of course, performed with many Brazilian influences. The repertoire consists of mostly originals in which Sadao Watanabe shows his knowledge of Brazilian music. It all sounds very natural…

On the opening track, “Naturally,” we hear exactly who Sadao Watanabe is, the song is one hundred percent his signature sound, both sound wise as composition wise. The composition also features a nice piano solo by Itamar Assieri. “Junto com Você” is a beautiful bossa nova, featuring the cello of Jaques Morelenbaum. Lula Galvão gets his moment to shine on the lovely ballad “After Years.” The percussion and drums dominate the samba “Na Lapa,” which has a reference to and finds a clear basis in “Chega de Saudade” (Jobim/De Moraes). “Carinhoso” (Pixinguinha/De Barro) is performed in a trio setting sax-cello-acoustic guitar. It’s one of the most beautiful moments on the album.

Sadao Watanabe once again proves on this CD that he knows what he’s doing when he lets his Brazilian heart speak. This is a wonderful album recorded by very dedicated musicians.