Vanderlei Pereira And Blindfold Test: Vision For Rhythm

2053

The name chosen by Brazilian drummer Vanderlei Pereira for his sextet acknowledges and confronts his handicap. Born into a musical family, he played drums professionally from his mid-teens, including a six-year performance internship with the Orquesta Sinfónica Brasiliera. Suffering from inherited retinitis pigmentosa, his vision gradually deteriorated and, no longer able to read music, he moved away from classical to pop and jazz. Resident in New York from the late 1980s and now blind, he became and remains active on the city’s Brazilian music scene, performing live and on record with many leading artists.

His sextet consists of woodwinds and a wordless vocalist, backed by a rhythm section. Apparently, in live performances, when playing some of the more complex works, the rest of his band wear blindfolds, ostensibly to “level the playing field” for the leader. With the exception of Deanna Witkowski, the other members of the group heard on Vision For Rhythm, Vanderlei’s first album as leader, are perhaps not well known internationally, but all are skilled musicians.

The music chosen for this debut includes Airto Moreira’s samba Misturada, Edu Lobo’s Corrupião and Antonio Adolfo’s Partido Leve. There are also some of Pereira’s own compositions: Ponto De Partida, O Que Ficou, De Volta À Festa, Vision For Rhythm.

In interviews, Pereira has made clear that, although it took time, he has accepted his blindness and rejects pity, insisting that with his music and his own way of seeing things he has all that he needs.

Clear from the concept and the instrumental line-up, this music is intensely rhythmic, drawing as it does upon the many dance forms originating in Brazil. Some of these are in a relaxed, swaying tempo, others lively and exhilarating. There are many solos from flautist Jorge Continentino, tenor saxophonist Rodrigo Ursaia, and pianist Deanna Witkowski, while Susan Pereira’s wordless vocals are effective both in solos and when blending with the ensemble.

Throughout, Vanderlei Pereira’s musical skill is exceptional, the final track being a two-minute solo demonstration of his remarkable dexterity. His debut album will appeal to all who enjoy Latin American jazz.

Discography
Misturada (Mixing); Ponto De Partida (Point Of Departure); Chapéu Palheta (Straw Hat); Mercado Modelo; O Que Ficou (What Remains); The Cry And The Smile; Partido Leve; Corrupião; (Oriole); Les Matins De Rixensart (The Mornings Of Rixensart); Alma Brasileira (Brazilian Soul); De Volta À Festa (Back To The Party); Vision For Rhythm (70.03)
Pereira (d, pc); collectively Jorge Continentino (f, af, ts, pifano); Rodrigo Ursaia (ts); Deanna Witkowski (p); Paul Meyers (g); Gustavo Amarante, Itaiguara Brandão (elb); Susan Pereira (v, pc). Shohola, PA, 2019.
Jazzheads JH 1242

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vanderlei-pereira-and-blindfold-test-vision-for-rhythmVanderlei Pereira’s musical skill is exceptional ... His debut album will appeal to all who enjoy Latin American jazz.