Sandim combines harmonically sophisticated contemporary jazz, Latin, and other musical influences on an exceptional DSD and SACD premium gold disc –
Boulder, Colorado, June 22, 2022 – The new Octave Records release, Mini Brazilian Beasts by jazz pianist Carmen Sandim, is a musical and sonic treat. It weaves a boundless wave of piano melodies, sophisticated harmonic concepts, and the musical rhythms and moods of Sandim’s native Brazil into a richly varied album. The recording features Octave Records’ best sound quality ever, using Octave’s Pure DSD high-resolution recording process to capture the musicians with stunning warmth, clarity, and spaciousness.
Mini Brazilian Beasts is a captivating showcase for Sandim’s piano and keyboard virtuosity. Sandim, who composed all the music, is joined by world-class guitarist Gilad Hekselman on electric and acoustic guitar and the telepathic accompaniment of Greg Garrison on bass, and Colin Stranahan on drums. Renowned trumpeter Ron Miles makes a guest appearance on the lush, introspective ballad “Glen.”
Carmen Sandim grew up in Brazil, studied at Berklee College of Music and is a composer, performer and teacher. “I listened to a lot of Brazilian jazz, but also classical, American jazz, the popular music of the 1990s and even glam rock,” Sandim notes. “I think we got to the point on the album where it would be very hard to label the music – all of our influences are in there.”
The title track, named because Sandim’s children call her a “Brazilian Beast,” so they’re the “Mini Brazilian Beasts,” leads off the album with its bouncy melodic leaps, unison piano and guitar melodies, and easygoing swing. Like much of the album, “Disturbia Nervosa” goes beyond postmodern and fusion jazz into new musical explorations. The ballad “Glen” features exquisite playing by trumpeter Miles – sadly, this was to be his last recorded performance. “Enemy” features soaring, virtuosic guitar work by Gilad Hekselman, whose chordal comping and melodic invention simply shines throughout. The solo piano piece, “Eventual Ocean,” and the album’s closer, “Humdrum Heroe,” take listeners through deep, contemplative musical journeys.
Mini Brazilian Beasts was recorded by Colin Bricker and Kevin Lee at Animal Lane Studios in Lyons, Colorado using Octave Records’ Pure DSD process and the Sonoma multi-track DSD recording system, and mastered by Gus Skinas. It features Octave’s premium gold disc formulation, and the disc is playable on any SACD, CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player. Mini Brazilian Beasts also has a high-resolution DSD layer that is accessible by using any SACD player, a PS Audio SACD transport, or by copying the DSD tracks on the included DVD data discs. In addition, the master DSD and PCM files are available for purchase and download (including DSD64, DSDDirect Mastered 192kHz/24-bit, 96kHz/24-bit and 44.1kHz/16-bit PCM), along with 24-karat gold CDs at standard resolution. (SRP: $19 – $29, depending on format.) These CDs have been cut directly off the DSD master using BitPerfect’s state-of-the-art Zephiir filter.
The musicians are captured with remarkable depth, presence and fidelity. It’s a sonic leap forward in musical realism and in bringing the emotional power and nuance of the performances to life. Sandim commented, “Recording the album was a different experience. It brings our music to our audience in a completely different way. Everyone utilized the equipment and technology to a level we hadn’t heard before, which is super-exciting.”
If you’re a member of the media and would like Mini Brazilian Beasts for review, please contact Frank Doris at [email protected] or 631-645-5668.
About PS Audio
Founded in 1973, PS Audio has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence in manufacturing innovative, high-value, leading-edge audio products. Located in Boulder, Colorado at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, PS Audio’s staff of talented designers, engineers, production and support people build each product to deliver extraordinary performance and musical satisfaction. The company’s wide range of award-winning products include the all-in-one Sprout100 integrated amplifier, audio components, power regenerators and power conditioners.
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