Dave Pietro – saxes | Scott Wendholt - trumpet
and flugelhorn | Tom Christensen - alto flute,
clarinet, tenor saxophone | Pete McGuinness - trombone
Pete McCann - guitars | Helio Alves - Piano
David Berkman - Piano and fender rhodes | Sergio
Brandao - electric bass | David Finck - acoustic bass
Nilson Matta - acoustic bass | Paulo Braga - drums
Duduka Da Fonseca – drums | Valtinho Anastacio - vocals
and percussion

The story behind this CD began in late 1998 when Dave first travelled to Brazil on tour with the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra. After instantly falling in love with the country, the people and the music of Brazil, he returned in 1999 with the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra and has made several trips there on his own since then. Percussionist Valtinho Anastacio, whom Dave met while touring with Akiyoshi, was the catalyst who connected Dave with many of the great Brazilian jazz musicians heard on this recording, including Paulo Braga, Duduka DaFonseca, Nilson Matta, Sergio Brandao and Helio Alves.

Dave Pietro’s ‘Embrace - Impressions of Brazil’ celebrates the fusion of American and Brazilian jazz as heard through the unique musical consciousness of this gifted composer and saxophonist. The CD includes 2 compositions by the renowned Brazilian composer Edu Lobo, 3 interludes by
master percussionist Valtinho Anastacio and 8 of Dave’s original compositions inspired by his recent trips to Brazil. This is not your typical Brazilian Jazz recording but a but a True collaboration of American and Brazilian jazz artists at the height of their musical prowess.