José Arimatéa knows how to sell a melody on his trumpet. His tone is exquisite, and he's never in a hurry, no matter how technical a run he might be on. He and his group ramble around Brazilian, African and Caribbean styles and rhythms without displaying a preference for anything in particular.

José Arimatéa Brejo das Almas (Rocinante)

Just meditative pieces that always find the most beautiful vistas. The motion of the rhythm section is constant, but more like a burbling brook than a roiling river. Arimatéa's horn floats above, finding ever more gorgeous ideas.

Not "smooth jazz" as Americans know it, but Arimatéa's sound and style are the opposite of jarring. He wants to impress with his playing, not whiz-bang pyrotechnics. He holds notes until they seem impossible, and then he skips to another flight.

Some sets are pure pleasure. Arimatéa's writing and playing are exemplary. This hypnotizing album is not likely to release you from its grip. The spell cast is simply too strong.

Jon Worley