* shimmering debut release * O’s Clavelitos – ARRIVING: A most fitting title for this shimmering debut release from this six-piece ensemble based in NYC… all-original compositions with the music of Brazil forming the basis for their high-energy tuneage! If you’re not inspired (& maybe dancing) as you listen to the oddly-titled “Tom Cruise Samba“, then you already have one foot (or maybe both of them) in the grave, lol… very refreshing & a total uplift for your day (the sax on this one is among the best I’ve heard (yet) in 2017, and vocalist Cheiko Honda just SHINES on this tune).
A trap that many debut albums fall into is that they try to emphasize only “one style”, but as you listen to Cheiko’s composition on her tune, “Dewberry“, you will realize that these players really understand how important “variety” is as the spice of life… the recording is absolutely flawless, too, which makes it really easy to listen to.
The title track, “Arriving“, turned out to be my personal favorite… short, smooth intro that launches straight into a musical experience you will be hitting “repeat” on… excellent lyrics and I fell in love with the percussion on this one in only moments! I give this high-energy group a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.97. You can learn more about this fine and refreshing band at the Os Clavelitos website (& tell them you read about them here, too, please). Rotcod Zzaj
