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I have to admit I don’t know a whole lot about this band, but I was introduced to their music on the internet and came away very impressed. Sao Paulo Ska Jazz is a group of eight Brazilian musicians who are apparently very experienced in playing everything from Afro-Cuban jazz to hard rock and everything in between. On their debut album they play high energy instrumental ska music that is blended with all the different styles of their collective experience. When I say ska music, don’t think of that hyper music for kids played by those lacking good musical chops. As mentioned earlier, these guys are veterans who play a brand of ska that is funky and soulful, but still hyped with modern high energy tempos when needed.
The band’s ability to mix ska with many different styles in an authentic way is impressive; “Skaiao” has a bossa nova flavor, while “Sao Paulo” is roots rock steady, on “Em Algum Lugar da America” they go Afro-Cuban and “A Torre” is pure funk. None of these stylistic changeups sound gratuitous or phony, and everything is tied together with a strong feel for jazz improvisation. All of the horn soloists are good and keyboardist Thiago Sousa occasionally uses analog synths for an exotic solo sound. Guitarist Renato Guizelini can also kick it solo-wise with an aggressive distorted rock sound. With the next ska revival always lurking around the corner, there’s always plenty of really cheezy ska music to avoid, but don’t avoid these guys, they’re awreet.