Vinicius Cantuaria

Cymbals, NAIVE

In his quiet, steadfast way, Brazilian-in-New York Cantuaria has been creating one of the most impressive jazzy/world/avant-garde oeuvres around. His new album for the French Naive label, while featuring backing from heavy jazz names such as Brad Mehldau, Marc Ribot and David Binney, continues his customary approach on a mixture of po-mo acoustic bossa styles, epitomised by the beautiful "Voce e Eu" (featuring Mehldau) and "Tua Cara". There's a not wholly convincing chanson/ flamenco influence and an upbeat dubby tune co-written with Angélique Kidjo, but 'Cymbals' remains a very superior work.