JAZZBO NOTES RECOMMENDED RECORDING
Rating: 
There are not that many opportunities to hear the great trombonist Raul De Souza in his heyday, and for that reason alone, Colors would be worth owning, but it also happens to be a very good album.
Much of De Souza’s stateside success was due to the intervention of his friends Airto Moreira and Flora Purim. De Souza recorded as a sideman frequently on their albums. He also worked memorably with Milton Nascimento. But Colors was Raul De Souza’s moment in the limelight, with an all-star cast assembled by producer Airto, including Richard Davis (bass), Jack DeJohnette (drums), Snooky Young (trumpet), Airto (percussion), and Cannonball Adderley (alto sax).
The date is very much in that Brazilian fusion style that bloomed overnight in the 70s before it faded a few short years after. It’s a high energy affair, thanks in part to dynamo Jack DeJohnette in the drum chair, but everyone contributes a committed performance, no one more than Raul De Souza himself.
De Souza has possibly the most melliflous trombone tone of anyone in history, as well as the bebop chops of a J. J. Johnson (who arranged the horns for this session, by the way). De Souza plays passionate and acrobatic solos on all the tunes, whether it be the funk of Nana, the uptempo samba Festival, or the ballad Crystal Silence.
Colors is joyful music and well worth owning.
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