4-star review about the Brazilian issue of Dom Um Romão's "Rhythm Traveller" on All Music Guide.
AMG REVIEW by Alex Henderson
Rating: ****
Over the years, Dom Um Romão has been heard in a variety of settings. Rhythm Traveler, which the veteran Brazilian drummer recorded in late 1997, finds a 72-year-old Romão favoring a CTI-like approach — quite often, this CD brings to mind the albums that Airto Moreira (the Brazilian drummer/percussionist who married singer Flora Purim) and Eumir Deodato recorded for CTI Records in the '70s. And that isn't surprising when you consider that Rhythm Traveler was recorded for Brazilian producer Arnaldo DeSouteiro's Jazz Station label; DeSouteiro, who produced Rhythm Traveler with Toninho Barbosa, has cited CTI founder Creed Taylor as a strong influence. And in fact, a CTI-ish approach prevails whether Romão is embracing original material (which includes "Sem Terra" and the rhythmic "Ginga Gingou") or turning his attention to Quincy Jones' "Soul Bossa Nova" and Wayne Shorter's "Mysterious Traveler". Except for a few high-tech, club-minded dance tracks at the end, Rhythm Traveler is fusion with a definite Brazilian flavor — which is exactly how one would describe the albums that Moreira recorded for CTI label in the '70s. And even the artwork has a CTI-ish quality; Rhythm Traveler's front cover looks like something that Taylor would have released on CTI in the '70s. Back then, CTI's LP covers had a distinctive, instantly recognizable look — you couldn't miss it then, and you can't miss the CTI-ish nature of Rhythm Traveler's front cover (even if you aren't a professional art director). Of course, the music is the most important thing of all, and on Rhythm Traveler, a 72-year-old Romão is still very much on top of his game . — Alex Henderson
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