Thi Nam [LP]

Mr. Circle - Thi Nam [LP]

Originally released in 1981, Mr. Circle's Thi Nam should really have been recognized decades ago as a jazz dance classic. A beautiful example of European jazz fusion at its most sophisticated and optimistic, the album is immersed in the sonics and rhythms of pan-Latin fusion and Brazilian samba, but with one foot in the upful jazz fusion exemplified by Roy Ayers or the Mighty Ryeders. Taking inspiration from Ursula Dudziak, Flora Purim, and Norma Winstone, singer Monika Linges uses the crystalline tone of her voice as an instrument within the ensemble. The LP is built around the interaction of her vocalizing with bandleader Mikesch van Grummer's keyboard versatility, all underpinned by the surging Brazilian rhythms laid down by drummer Gerd Breuer and percussionist Ponda O'Bryan. The result is a unique set of sunlit, Brazilian-inspired jazz fusion. Aimed squarely at the feet throughout, the album kicks off with a double whammy: the funky title track, followed by the percussion-rich ''Juntos.'' The long form ''Suka'' begins with a shimmering intro before taking flight halfway through into an urgent jazz samba with Linges' vocals to the fore. Featuring the vocals of Bill Ramsay, ''Tides'' is another driving jazz-dancer with a Brazilian twist, while the summery, propulsive ''Schoch-Schach'' features virtuosic interplay between Linges and alto saxophone. 01. Thi Nam 02. Tides 03. Juntos 04. Gotta Go Home 05. Suka 06. Schoch-Schach