"Scott Feiner has created a unique sonic world on "Pandeiro Jazz" in his choice of instrumentation. He's found a way to keep the pandeiro at the center of the music, while surrounding it with a rich, appealing texture - Freddie Bryant's guitar and Joel Frahm's saxophone blend perfectly with Scott's rhythms. The music goes down easy, but is full of subtelty and surprise - it's a record that you want to go back to and listen to again right after hearing it." - BRAD MEHLDAU "It makes me happy to see an American musician playing jazz on the Brazilian pandeiro as well as Scott does. It opens new frontiers. - MARCOS SUZANO "I really like the orchestration of pandeiro, guitar and saxophone on Pandeiro Jazz. This band has a great hook up." - LUCIANA SOUZA -- What happens when you mix the Brazilian pandeiro with the intensity of New York City level jazz? You get Pandeiro Jazz. What is a pandeiro you ask? Well, it's not a tambourine (although it looks like one)! It's a Brazilian hand drum which is considered the most complete percussion instrument used in Brazilian music. Ex-jazz guitarist Scott Feiner moved to Brazil out of his passion for the instrument and on one of his trips back home to New York City the idea for Pandeiro Jazz was born. Scott wanted to mix the distinct tone of the pandeiro and rhythms he had learned in Brazil with the energy and creativity of the New York jazz scene. He wanted to play with great improvisers, on a variety of themes, in ways you wouldn't normally "expect" to hear a pandeiro. In June of 2004 while in New York City for a few weeks, Scott was offered a gig at a small club in Greenwich Village. He called upon a couple of old friends, guitarist Freddie Bryant and saxophonist Joel Frahm. Freddie was the perfect choice for this blending of styles: a rare breed of guitarist and composer with deep roots in jazz, Brazilian and classical music, who's mixed them into a highly personal style. Joel is one of New York's most sought after saxophonists known for his deep mix of "head and heart". He and Scott played for years together in the early 90s when Scott was a guitarist and Joel recorded on both of Scott's CDs from that period. After that gig it was clear that the trio had a special sound and had to be recorded. A year later, in May 2005, Scott returned to New York and in two days this CD was recorded. Pandeiro Jazz has a vibe all its own. Check it out and see for yourself! Featuring: Scott Feiner: pandeiro (all tracks); pandeiro adufe, reco-reco (track 4); cymbals (tracks 2, 10) Freddie Bryant: nylon string guitar (all tracks except track 6); 12-string guitar (track 2); electric guitar (track 6); live guitar loops (track 7) Joel Frahm: tenor saxophone (all tracks); soprano saxophone (track 2) Special guests: Joe Martin: acoustic bass (tracks 2, 6, 9) Beto Cazes: tamborim & shaker (track 8)