The 1970s were banner years for Airto Moreira -- not only because of his association with Chick Corea's Return to Forever and his work on wife Flora Purim's Milestone dates, but also, because of the generally superb work he did under Creed Taylor's supervision at CTI from 1972-74. One of the five-star gems that the Brazilian percussionist recorded for CTI was Fingers, which employs Purim on percussion and vocals, David Amaro on guitar, Hugo Fattoruso on keyboards and harmonica, Jorge Fattoruso on drums and Ringo Thielmann on electric bass. Produced by Taylor and recorded at Rudy Van Gelder's famous New Jersey studio, this LP demonstrates just how exciting and creative 1970s fusion could be. When Moreira and his colleagues blend jazz with Brazilian music, rock and funk on such cuts as "Wind Chant,""Tombo in 7/4" and "Romance of Death," the results are consistently enriching. Fingers is an album to savor. - Alex Henderson
Tracks
1. Fingers (El Rada) (Eduardo Uzeta/Ruben Rada)
2. Romanca Of Death (Hugo Fattoruso)
3. Merry-Go-Round (Arto Moreira/Flora Purim)
4. Wind Chant (Hugo Fattoruso)
5. Parana (Hugo Fattoruso
6. San Francisco River (Flora Purim)
7. Tombo In 7/4 (Airto Moreira)
AIRTO percussion, drums, vocals
DAVID AMARO electric guitar, 12-string guitar, acoustic guitar
RINGO THIELEMANN bass, vocals
JORGE FATTORUSO drums, vocals
HUGO FATTORUSO keyboard, harmonica, vocals
FLORA PURIM percussion, vocals
Recorded April, 1973 at Van Gelder Studios
CTI Records – CTI 6028