Breath of Brazil cover

Breath of Brazil

Joanne Brackeen · 1991

67 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of Brazilian rhythms and jazz improvisation, seamlessly blending tradition with innovative artistry.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Madalena — The opening track sets the tone with its lush harmonies and rhythmic complexity, perfectly illustrating Brackeen's ability to merge Brazilian influences with jazz improvisation.
  • →
    Aguas de Marco (Waters of March) — This rendition showcases Brackeen's interpretative skill, transforming a classic Brazilian song into a dynamic dialogue between melody and rhythm that highlights her unique voice.
  • →
    Samba Do Soho — Closing the album, this track encapsulates the joyful spirit of samba while allowing Brackeen's piano to shine through intricate solos and playful interactions with the band.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate arrangements and blends Brazilian rhythms with jazz, reflecting Brackeen's artistic evolution.

What we noticed

  • The album features complex rhythmic patterns that shift between traditional Brazilian styles and modern jazz improvisation.
  • The last three tracks slow down significantly, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • vibrant rhythms for lively gatherings
  • swaying melodies ideal for dancing
  • inviting warmth for sunny days
  • immersive textures for deep listening
  • playful interactions with improvisation

Maybe skip if you

  • preference for fast-paced music
  • seeking straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
In 1991, Joanne Brackeen released 'Breath of Brazil' as her fourth album, following the critically acclaimed 'Pink Elephant' from 1989. This album marked a significant exploration of Brazilian music influences, showcasing her evolution as a jazz pianist and composer at a time when she was solidifying her place in the jazz world.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· McCoy Tyner

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Madalena 6:39
  • 2 Velas 5:53
  • 3 Aguas de Marco (Waters of March) 6:16
  • 4 Guessing Game 3:39
  • 5 Breath of Brazil 4:39
  • 6 Sue Encanto (The Face I Love) 7:13
  • 7 Loro 4:28
  • 8 So Many Stars 5:33
  • 9 Anos Dourados (It Looks Like December) 5:40
  • 10 Brasileiro Escondido 6:29
  • 11 Flora 5:14
  • 12 Samba Do Soho 5:19

What to play next

Where Legends Dwell
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jazz fusion

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata