Ze has been active as a session man on the Brazilian scene for over 20 years, participating in well over 150 sessions; interestingly enough, BIG CIRCLE is his first solo effort. As one might expect from an artist who has been grooming other horses for all these years, he bursts right out of the gate when he gets a chance to race his own. The result is an incredible, impeccable work which has something for everyone without pandering to anyone in particular.

One of the many jaw-droppers on BIG CIRCLE is Ze Bruno's interpretation of "Come Together," wherein he transforms the Lennon- McCartney classic into a Brazilian rap-hip work, breathing new life into an overplayed tune and transforming it from an edgy rocker into a rap-hiphop percussive masterpiece. Another is Ze's take on Peter Gabriel's "Mercy Street," which takes the fruit of Gabriel's dour genius and returns it to its source. The result is not so much a reinterpretation of the work as a reaffirmation, a welcome return of an adult child to its home. The standout track, however, on a CD full of them, is "Rio Love," a rhythmic bouncer which gives the listen a clue as to what would have happened if War had collaborated with Roger Troutman. This is a perfect number to shake the car windows with on a Saturday night. Then just when you think you might have Ze Bruno all figured out, he closes with "Honeysuckle Vine," which could have been co-written by John D. Loudermilk but wasn't, combining elements of swamp pop, country, and jazz into something...new. "Vento Bravo," which echoes the work of jazz stalwart Wayne Shorter, subtly ebbs and swirls through tempos and styles, taking the listener on a rhythmic emotional ride that is full of surprises, even on repeated listenings.

BIG CIRCLE, I think, is the sound of Ze Bruno just getting started. This is a work which is subtly ground-breaking and which will undoubtedly influence many other artists both directly and indirectly for years to come. Very highly recommended.