While this is by no means an authentic attempt at Brazilian music, it features the collective application of Brazilian musical sensibilities combined with jazz and R&B guided by former Thelonious Monk tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse. Rouse lends his hard bop Monk-flavored chops by playing off of fiery Brazilian born trumpeter Claudio Roditi, trombonist Clifford Adams, pianist Dom Salvador, and several percussionists, including groove master Bernard “Pretty” Purdie. While the obvious influence of the early ’60s bossa nova craze spearheaded by Charlie Byrd, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Stan Getz does occasionally rear its musical head, these creative players never succumb to simple imitation. Reissued on the Knit Classics label, Brazil was previously released in 1977 under the title Cinnamon Flower. – Al Campbell