Embraceable Brazil from veteran Philadelphia drummer Tom Cohen offers not merely a tribute but a deeply personal reimagining of the bossa nova tradition, weaving together American jazz sensibility and Brazilian spirit. Cohen anchors the ensemble, which includes wonderful contributions from pianist Cidinho Teixeira and bassist Itaiguara Brandão, John Swana on electronics, and Edson da Silva Café on percussion. Vocalist Barbara Mendes brings an intimate lyrical presence, joined by Larry McKenna on tenor saxophone, Rob Curto on accordion, and guitarist Orlando Haddad in rotating configurations. The repertoire draws from luminaries such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, Milton Nascimento, Toninho Horta, and Chico Buarque, with Cohen adapting non-Brazilian works by Pat Martino and Carly Simon into his own samba-flavored style. The result is a richly detailed, thoughtful album that delivers warm cross-cultural sophistication.
