Brazilian legendary drummer Paulo Braga joins David Finck and Roger Davidson in the trio’s ode to Richard Rodgers. With a decidedly different twist on this program of favorite Richard Rodger tunes, pianist Roger Davidson turns them into gala Sambas and Bossa Novas. Celebrating the work of this popular songwriter, he explores each melody with a light, rhythmic syncopation. The original melodies remain at the forefront of his emphasis, as he interprets each song with gaily with a bright, positive glow….. The pianist has created a souvenir postcard to honor the life of a great popular composer – with candid reflections from Rio. ____ Roger Davidson Trio - RODGERS IN RIO: Obviously, this is a celebration of Richard Rogers's music, & what better style to do it than Brazilian? Roger plays piano, & is joined by David Finck on bass & fantastic Paulo Braga on drums... & they kick on this great little CD. If you're looking for strange & "out there" jazz, you'll have to move on to another rack, please... this is jazz with a "fun" spirit, & though light at heart, all th' players convey a wealth of knowledge of how to play jazz that has "meat on it's bones". The recording is sleek, & there's a great foldout jacket in the tray liner that gives you even more insight to the recording. Davidson's keyboard touch on track 3, "Some Enchanted Evening" will make you fall in love with his playing right away... it's my favorite cut on the album, with very tight integration between all members of the trio, but appropriate focus on Roger's smooth keyboard style. Didn't hear any originals on this one, & I imagine that's just because it's a tribute... would LOVE to hear some on the next CD, though, Roger. This is a jazz recording that will bring the "carnival" spirit into your heart... it gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from our ears. Contact through the label site, at www.soundbrush.com. Dick Metcalf, aka Rotcod Zzaj ____ CADENCE MAGAZINE August 2005, Vol 31, No. 8 With a decidedly different twist on this program of favorite Richard Rodgers tunes, pianist Roger Davidson turns them into gala Sambas and Bossa Novas. Celebrating the work of this popular songwriter, he explores each melody with a light, rhythmic syncopation. The original melodies remain at the forefront of his emphasis, as he interprets each song gaily with a bright, positive glow. Performed in solo piano, piano/bass duo and trio format, these Richard Rodgers chestnuts remain cool and collected. They’re sweet songs performed in a relaxed manner. “Edelweiss” flows into a waltz flavor close to the original, reminding us that some music in universal. Tradition, after all, carries strong memories. As the trio performs “The Sweetest Sounds”, they put a Blues feeling into their Bossa Nova treatment of its theme. Drummer Paulo Braga, who toured with Antonio Carlos Jobim for over 15 years, gives the piece a soft and gentle demeanor. Davidson is at his best on this song, exploring each delicate nuance with a relaxed feel. Elsewhere, the Brazilian rhythmic connection pervades with a light Latin foundation. “Lover” pours forth gently with a street dance air, while “Surrey” marches forcefully along crowded avenues in celebration of Mardi Gras or some other gala occasion. David Finck stretches out on the latter with a superb bass solo that stirs the emotions. He’s followed by an equally creative drum cadenza that whips up a rhythmic storm. Davidson closes the session with a lovely solo piano interpretation of “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” that, like “Edelweiss” departs from the album’s Brazilian theme and adheres solely to the original intentions of its composer. The pianist has created a souvenir postcard to honor the life of a great popular composer – with candid reflections from Rio. Jim Santella ____ Swing2bop.com In this relaxed and very pleasing set, Roger Davidson offers some Latin-tinged takes on classic music from the pen of Richard Rodgers. Sometimes solo, sometimes in duo with bassist David Finck, and also in a trio with percussionist Paulo Braga, Roger pays respectful tribute to the composer, while simultaneously displaying his own inventiveness. Among the songs Roger has selected are 'My Romance', 'Lover', 'If I Lovd You' and, appropriately enough, 'The Sweetest Sounds'. This music has been around long enough to be considered timeless; Roger's treatment will help ensure that it continues to live formany more years. Bruce Crowther