Monday, October 28, 2013

New Release: Phill Fest "Projeto B.F.C." with special guest Hendrik Meurkens

Infectious Brazilian rhythms fused with jazz harmony and form, samba-jazz is an exciting and fresh sound in the modern jazz vernacular. Guitarist Phill Fest, son of piano bossa pioneer Manfredo Fest, presents us with "Projeto B.F.C.", a spectacular example of the genre and all of its nuances. From high energy samba and baiao rhythms, to subtle bossa gentleness, each selection displays passion and focus. Guest harmonica virtuoso, Hendrik Meurkens,
gives this fantastic outing a special touch that can only be described as "exhilarating!". An excellent selection of material, including originals by Phill and pianist Robert Prester, to genre defying compositions by Manfredo, each track flows seamlessly into the next. The rhythm section of Brazilian drummer Ronie Martinez and bassist Russ Howard, rounds out this stellar ensemble. A listening experience that will have you smiling and coming back for more.
 

“The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Phill Fest has certainly inherited his father’s musical genius. Toss in an amazing artist like Hendrik Meurkens and you have a delicious Feijoada of music!
THIS... is good stuff!” - Gina Martell, Sunny 107.9 Miami, FL
 
“This project has the sound of a dream come true, and it’s a sound that is fresh and rewarding for the listener every time.” - Bob Seymour, WUSF 89.7 Tampa, FL
 
Phill Fest GUITARS AND VOCALS
Robert Prester PIANO
Russ Howard BASS
Ronie Martinez DRUMS AND
PERCUSSION
and very special guest
Hendrik Meurkens HARMONICA

Tracks
1. B.F.C. is Coming (:33)
2. Florianopolis (3:42)
3. Samba de Cayo Hueso (6:53)
4. Baiao da Amizade (4:18)
5. Islands of Guizar (5:52)
6. Clearwater Sunset (6:56)
7. Commonwealth Ave (7:05)
8. Bossa Blues #2 (7:14)
9. Dig This Samba (5:36)
10. Ate Mais (:42)

CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher 
PHIL FEST/Projeto B.F.C.:  Successfully entering the family’s Brazilian jazz business, fille Phil brings his guitar, his love of jazz and his Brazilian bloodlined chops and serves up a date that should make his both his mom and pop proud to pass the torch when the time comes.  Innovation also seem to run in the family line as there‘s plenty of that here.  Tasty, summer jazz you can enjoy anytime, this is a prime example of a contemporary take on the real deal. Well done.

 
5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Brazilian Jazz, properly rooted, with memorable melodies and infectious rhythms!, October 4, 2013
By Grady Harp Amazon.com
 
This review is from: Projeto B.F.C. (Audio CD)
If you're wondering what the `B.F.C.' stands for it is Brazil-Florida Connection and it is creation of the very fine Phill Fest, guitarist and composer extraordinaire! His background and training give his musicality a unique twist uncommon for his generation. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota (he now resides in Florida) Phill grew up in a musical family. His father is a recording artist and his mother a composer and music instructor. Phill was exposed to Brazilian and American Jazz right from the start. "I remember hangin' with Sergio Mendez backstage many times as a kid." His father, Manfredo Fest, was the Keyboardist and Music Director for Bossa Rio, the opening act for Brasil '66 for three years. Phill started guitar at age 16. Having already studied clarinet and violin, the 'six string' came easy. Phill studied at Music Tech of Minneapolis in '89. "My training is a combination of school and self-taught techniques."

So much for biographical data. The real magic is the unusual and very creative sounds that pour forth form this collection of Brazilian flavored jazz. The recording opens and closes with a pure percussive bit called batucada and then flows through the seductive melodies of perfect arrangements and combination of instruments that offer a sound we've not heard before. It takes real musical sophistication to combine Brazilian music and American jazz and, as we've known for decades, it's magic when it works. As Gina Martelll has stated, `There is music that I love, and then there is music that reaches into my soul and gives me Goosebumps! "Projeto B.F.C." does that. The apple didn't fall far from the tree. Phill Fest has certainly inherited his father's( Manfredo Fest) musical genius, but Phill adds his own style and charm with a Brazilian sex appeal that is irresistible. A delicious feijoada of music, THIS....is good stuff!'

This CD is about as perfect as Brazilian jazz gets. Highly Recommended!








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