A fresh and joyful twist on Brazilian Music and American Jazz–an inspiring journey featuring world-class musicians playing surprising versions of familiar songs and powerful originals!

Paul’s critically acclaimed 2011 CD “Ibeji” reached multiple best of the year lists, garnered nominations for Latin Jazz Flutist of the Year, Brazilian Jazz Album of the Year, and finalist status in the John Lennon International Songwriting Competition. The CD looks at Brazilian music and American Jazz as twin children of Mother Africa – separated at birth, raised in distant parts of the world, and now reunited. The recording features stellar support from Rufus Reid & Nilson Matta on bass, Duduka da Fonseca, Tim Horner, and Allman Brothers co-founder Jaimoe on drums, Joel Martin on piano, and Eugene Friesen on cello

According to JazzTimes: “In keeping with the title (which means “twins” in Yoruban), saxophonist-flutist Paul Lieberman looks at Brazilian music and American jazz as twin children of Mother Africa. Consequently, he alternates rhythm tandems, using bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Tim Horner for straight-up jazz tunes like “I’ll Remember April” and a swinging rendition of Jobim’s “Inutil Paisagem” while relying on drummer Duduka Da Fonseca and bassist Nilson Matta (longtime partners in Trio Da Paz) for the authentic Brazilian groove on undulating numbers like Lieberman’s “Azul No Verde E Amarelo,” a choro rendition of “Lulu’s Back in Town” and a baião take on the Beatles’ “In My Life.” Lieberman also offers a brief, beautiful rendition of Bill Evans’ “My Bells,” rendered as an overdubbed flute choir.”

Reviewers say:

“Lieberman [who] is a soulful player on any instrument, conveying deep emotional content…demonstrates his instrumental mastery and also reveals himself as a formidable composer” in this “stunning, heartfelt, and emotional” recording. With “high musicianship displayed with emotion, laid bare” the “sparkling originals” and “fascinating” arrangements “enchant” and “celebrate life to its fullest” in this “beguiling mix.”

“Blessed with two cracker-jack rhythm sections,” the “oh-so-sweet” CD “shines” with “‘soul’ music through and through” that “combines technique, intelligence, experience, emotions, and risk-taking that pushes the musician beyond the ordinary or the commonplace.”

“With “one of the best covers of a Beatles tune by a jazz player, a beat that floats on every track…pervasive ensemble joie de vivre” and an original that “sent chills up my spine,” “Ibeji is a hell of an accomplishment… and displays, quite brilliantly, the commonalities of these music heritages.”

Performers:

• Paul Lieberman – flutes & saxophones
• Joel A. Martin – piano
• Jaimoe – drums
• Rufus Reid – bass
• Tim Horner – drums
• Nilson Matta – bass
• Eugene Friesen – cello
• Duduka Da Fonseca – drums
• Zaida Lieberman – vocals