Roger Davidson Trio with special guest Marivaldo Dos Santos
Bom Dia
Soundbrush Records
By George W. Harris

For a guy who had a French and American parents, and has spent most of his time living in the northeast US, pianist Roger Davidson has put out an amazing catalogue of South American music. From 2005’s “Rodgers in Rio” to last year’s “Pensando a Ti”, he is able to apply a veracity to his composing and playing style that is second to none. His latest release, which adds the subtle percussion of Marivaldo Dos Santos, is another collection of originals that holds up to anything written by the likes of Gil, Regina and Jobim, which makes sense, since he’s played with all of them. His touch is warm and dark, and fits in nicely with bassist David Finck and drummer Paulo Braga on tunes like the buoyant “Fabiana” and caroming title piece. Davidson’s touch is most apparent on the solo piece “Soir Bresilien” which exudes the depth and confidence of a veteran tango dancer. As with the Great American Songbook, the great Bossa songbook is given a well deserved rest on this disc, and the freshness is palpable.