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ALMA: The Soul of Brazil in New York
Label: Wave Music
Released: October 17, 2007
Length: 1h 18min
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Three years ago, NYC’s own veteran DJ True of FM and Satellite radio’s famed “Deeper Than Disco” show, got together with percussionist Miller Cruz and created a new sound they themselves coined “neo-Brasilian fusion”. This sound quickly won the world over with big batucada beats, a soulful NYC cool and guests any music lover would only dream of hearing play a Brazilian set. ALMA, (“soul” in Portuguese) “All for the Love of Music & Art”, fuses live instrumentation from some of NYC’s finest musicians ... Read More »with Brazilian grooves from clubland’s best DJs, and the results have raised nothing but rave reviews since its start. The idea is to feature the traditional sounds of Brazil, from samba to forro, and incorporate all the newly inspired sounds coming from a new crop of musicians from Brazil and beyond. The party has featured Louie Vega and The Elements of Life, Joe Claussell, Rich Medina, Osunlade, DJ Afro, DJ Karizma and many of underground music’s most notable.
When ALMA—the gathering helmed by Joann Jimenez, Manchildblack, and resident spinners DJ True and Miller Cruz—was in the planning stages in 2004, its creators had no idea that the venture they were undertaking would become one of Gotham’s most beloved nights. But it entered the pantheon of clubland glory in shockingly short time, attracting a multiracial, multisexual, multieverything crowd onto one of the most feverish dance floors you’re likely to find and gaining the respect of such nightlife gurus as Danny Krivit and Louie Vega. That, of course, is due to the soiree’s utterly captivating music, the cream of which is compiled here that ALMA features in its home base of downtown Manhattan’s Sullivan Room, a sparkling, smile- and sweat-generating mélange of Brazilian-tinged beats that’s utterly irresistible to anyone with a heartbeat. New York’s nightlife would be a much poorer place without ALMA—give this disc a spin and find out why. - Bruce Tantum, Time Out NY.
Reviews on Various Magazines
BPM Magazine confirmed a review on upcoming issue- review written by Craig Roseberry:
"ALMA has become one of Gotham City’s premiere monthly events and eclectic underground scenes. Launched in 2004 by creators Joann Jimenez, Manchildblack and resident DJs True and Miller Cruz, the multicultural soiree has evolved into a quintessential spiritual oasis for serious music lovers. Since its inception, ALMA has become renowned for its "Neo-Brazilian Fusion" sound that melds live instrumentation with soul, jazz, Brazilian, Afro-Latin, Bossa Nova, deep house and broken beat creating a transcendent nirvana where exotic cosmic vibes converge and disseminate in vibrant hues. It's not surprising that nitelife veterans like Francois K., Louie Vega, Danny Krivit and Joe Claussell have all been spotted basking in the poly-rhythmic soundscapes among the throngs. This inspired collection features some of the partyís most feverish, crowd-pleasing anthems including offerings from Azymuth, 4Hero, Richard Dorfmeister, Suba, Restless Soul, Belladonna, Slope and Alex Attias. This is a must-have for fans of Body & Soul, Dance Ritual, Roots and The Loft."
Batanga / Aug-Sept, 2007 issue- Review written by Rodrigo Salazar:
"There is nothing like Brazilian music to bring out the good vibes. Mixed by DJ True and Miller Cruz (the main record spinners at NYC’s amazing ALMA parties), The Soul of Brazil taps into the eclectic Brazilian sound that made these parties successful. You get some funky wah-wah on Azymuth's “Partido Novo” and by the time you get to Karizma’s percussion filled mix of “The Caribou”, there is no question about who owns the soul of Brazil in New York."
Next Magazine/ Sept, 2007 - by Justin Ocean:
“ALMA means ‘soul’ in Portuguese but is also an acronym for ‘All for the Love of Music & Art.’ And that love-specifically for ‘neo-Brasilian fusion’ - is clear in this CD mixed by DJ True and Miller Cruz and inspired by the New York party of the same name. With a soulful percussive groove, Alma blends house, drum 'n' bass, hip-hop and more for a delicioso feast that'll have out of your chair and dancing - then going back for seconds!”
King Britt, Six Five Media:
"With the large amounts of boring compilations out there, ALMA NYC shines like a diamond in the rough. World music in every sense."
Louie Vega, Masters at Work /Elements of Life:
"ALMA: The Soul of Brazil in New York takes you on a journey where you can experience what happens at a true ALMA party. I’ve partied there, performed there and celebrated the sexy sound of Brazil with two of my favorite djs, True and Miller along with one the hottest New York City promoters Joann Jimenez.”
Joe Claussell, Cosmic Arts Inc.:
"If the point this gathering is to bring all kinds of people together, aligned with showering each and every one of them with a unique blend of Brazilian fusion, love and beyond, then ALMA has far surpassed that agenda. Expect much more from their debut CD."
Asya Shein, Fusicology.com (Music & Events Ezine):
"I love this CD, representing ALMA the way it's meant - sexy, eclectic, enlightening & beautiful. A great montage made of soulful selections."
Muema Lombe, BounceFM.com (Music & Events Ezine):
“This CD captures the best of Brazilian music and the magic of a typical night at ALMA. Those of you in NYC are familiar with ALMA, the monthly tribute to Brazilian music. The ALMA familia (Joann Jimenez, Manchildblack, DJ's True and Miller Cruz unite to deliver their first compilation album and it is slammin'! Packed with energy, this CD does not disappoint, get one for yourself, get one for a friend. Makes the perfect holiday gift.”
Derek Beres, Poppmatters.com (Music & Events Ezine):
"Much like the nature of other Wave releases, this chooses more atmospheric clubs tracks, songs that ride on for seven or nine minutes with tasteful breaks of congas and plenty of blaring saxophones. My personal favorites come nearer to the beginning: a deep drum track by Ramiro Musotto, “Ijexa”, and the excellent remix of Cabruêra’s “Zabê Sabe” by Electrococo. These two are certain to become staples for my own dance floor selections. " « Read Less
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Album $9.99
