Hello Mark, I certainly don't hear any difference to the version from 2 months ago. Because I don’t remember that version either. Maybe that's because of my condition at the time *smile.
But I already said back then that the song was excellent! And I still think so today!
Very good work!
Kind regards and have a nice weekend
Manuela

nice one too !!

Hello Mark, I'm just now seeing that you're introducing a new song that I haven't added my two cents to yet *laughs. But I won't say much about it today either, because I'm in a miserable over-partying and therefore over-sleep state *smile
But I still recognize that the song goes hand in hand with an excellent quality rooted in you! All attention!
The Latin American influence is also clearly visible. The structure of the song, the inserted solos, which is supported by a wonderful rhythm combination, is excellent. All in all, once again a 100% successful song!
Kind regards, have a nice weekend Manuela

Crazy Good!

Incredible track. I take my hat off, I couldn't even conceive of this let alone put it into effect. No-one has mentioned the percs? So I will. Off the chart! I love it, the energy, the busy busy business, that bass, fingers would be smoking! Just amazing all round.

Mark, my friend, whenever you post a fresh track I usually have some whiny nonsense, and then you go off and rewrite the track (or make the tiniest changes) and then when you come back I read the original comment, listen to the new version and I can't for the life of me see what bothered me before.

So either I am just a whiny bastard, or you're a genius at improving yourself. I'm guessing it's both ;)

In any case, this is awesome. The only tiniest change you could consider is to end on a grand finale with the melody going up and ending on a magnificent brass explosion.

Whatever. I love it!

Nice, well done Mark!

Ideas:
a later Caribbean style fast Dizzy Gillespie solo around 2:30ish
a nod somewhere to bossa nova (nylon string)
a timbales solo

faved

hey man, this is really cooking. that first section is critical in establishing the mileu and the piano nails it, and the callbacks after 2.00 and the closing section provide continuity and contrast to the myriad inventions running thru the track. i’m really liking the gtr sounds in this one. the most zappa-esque i’ve heard from you, in a really good way.

Hello Mark, how wonderful is this track. It's so full of events that I was on the hunt for the entry the whole time. It's a mystery to me how one achieves something like this. Every single element is pure joy. At times I thought of certain Zappa recordings, and at other times Airto came to mind. One of my favorite albums of all time is IDENTITY by AIRTO MOREIRA, and somehow something from that came along too. I can't say much about it technically because I don't have the basics, but this much is certain: I thoroughly enjoyed the track and will definitely listen to it several more times to be able to grasp everything. Hats off, master!

Micky

Hey Mark, Now you know that you get an automatic "A Plus" in my book just on general principal alone. We're both obviously "Jazz Heads" and like you I also love Brazilian Jazz also. This is a great example of your talent showcased here with this track. Your ability to stretch the boundaries and as you've said before "keep the listener engaged." Well my friend you've more than exceeded that task with your new track. From that spectacular smooth - jazzy / funky / heavy percussion & horn tinged opening; to that "VERY NICE INTERPLAY" between the drums / percussion, guitar & bass followed by the intro of that aggressive piano that comes in shortly thereafter and all starting around 2:40 of the track. And if that weren't enough, you absolutely got me with that quick change at 3:13 with that "active odd meter drum groove / drum solo?!" that sag way right into that beautiful "steel drum melody" and tasty bassline that runs underneath and continuing to 3:38 of the track. Damn! (shaking my head) now that was pure genius my man! Have to admit you got me good with that one young jedi Lol! You start back up at 3:40 with some straight up "Brazilian Jazz" to the max and end the track on that note (pure excellence!) What I'm getting thus far from this (your latest masterpiece) is although this is certainly a "Brazilian Jazz" track in every sense of the word (kudos by the way for a job well done). I'm also getting a strong "Jazz Fusion" vibe from the track as well (big smile). And you say this is only 3/4 of the way finished? In my opinion I say just keep following what's in your heart and what you hear in your head, because as usual you are doing tha damn thang big time bruh! Excellent track Mark and I'll be checking back on your progress. And of course, a fav!

All the best,

Dennel

Marc, my incredibly talented friend, your musicality is off the scale and I will always enjoy any track you make. You could probably throw a duffel bag filled with percussion down the stairs and make it sound like angels.

Having said that (you knew that was coming), this track has so many ideas it has me slightly befuddled. I feel I'm not smart enough to capture all of the ideas; definitely I don't know Brazilian jazz, only Brazilian rhythms; those are definitely present and top notch.

I can only speak for my self and my tiny brain; I would try to continue with the A++ elements (of which you have plenty) and trim down some of the rest - but again, maybe that is the point of Brazilian jazz and what you were trying to achieve. If so, job very well done.

I loved the typical Samba keys at 3:40, because I'm a simple soul; the bit at 3:00 is probably even better and less obvious. It morphs too fast into the next section for me and I wouldn't mind more of it. The tempo change at 1:40 is elite, and the section that starts there sounds more jazz than Brazilian but I love it - but I don't feel the connection with the other sections I mentioned. (But then again, I'm not that smart or musical.) The bit at 0:54 is inspiring, but I can't connect the rhythm to the music.

I listened the first time at very low volume, and in many places I couldn't really follow what was going on; at a bit more normal volume it makes more sense, but you could still consider to make life easier for the listener.

Or not. You're the master.

In any case, I think I could probably spin this into at least an album's worth of tracks. It's amazing and an honor to listen to, as always. _o_ Thanks for posting it!!