Duofel is a Brazilian guitar duo that has been more known for its work for singer
Tetê Espíndola. In this solo release, the duo departs from a concept: the expression of a full emotional range inspired by the social issue of abandoned kids in the streets of Brazil, from the compassion for the unfortunate to the rage against the criminals.
Inspiration aside, the formula of the group is not to stick to Brazilian music. Contemporary musicians Fernando Melo and
Luiz Bueno (playing together since 1977) mix blues, pop, rock, and take from jazz some ideas as well. Shades of Brazilian music can be felt throughout the album though, including Rio's choro, folkloric music from up-country São Paulo (cateretê) and others.
The titles of the songs (all originals by the duo, except "Aquarela Do Brasil" by
Ary Barroso) are free creations based in existing classics, supplying a route through which one can follow the plot devised by them, but the themes are completely independent from the sources.
The album sounds very ECM-ish, and, even if every comparison must be taken with reserves, is very much reminiscent of
Steve Eliovson. Twelve-string acoustic guitar backs nylon/steel acoustic guitar. Not a jazz album, it consists mostly of written parts and arrangements, not improvisation. The arrangements were written by Brazilian jazzman and renowned creator
Hermeto Pascoal, who received the X Sharp Award as best arranger of the year by his work on this album. ~ Alvaro Neder