Racha Fora, a quintet consisting of a Brazilian rhythm section (guitar, bass and pandeiro) and two Japanese musicians on the front line (flute and violin) is proud to release “Racha Fora’s Tribute To Miles”. To accompany the theme, Dave Liebman who was one of the key personnels to Miles’ music, is featured as a special guest.
“Racha S‘Miles” was recorded in July 2015 as 96k/24-bit in Boston, MA and Pennsylvania with mixing and mastering completed in NYC. This album will be favored by jazz, Brazilian, world music fans as well as high end audio fans.
Racha Fora
was formed in 2010 originally as a quartet by two Japanese and two Brazilians in Boston. In his own words: “My goal is to create a new jazz sound using native Brazilian rhythms. This is different from Brazilian Jazz because Brazilian jazz used to be an extension of Bossa, which was started as jazz by Brazilians, and its extension is fusion music played by Brazilians nowadays... I think the most important thing in the message is this is not Brazilian Jazz but it’s rather jazz with native Brazilian grooves, and in order to achieve that differences these band members are the key.”
Racha Fora issued its debut album in 2012 which was focused on Honshuku’s compositions, and embarked on a tour of Japan, which became an annual affair. Honshuku also holds Master’s Degree from New England Conservatory, where he began assisting legendary band leader, composer, and theorist George Russell. Honshuku is known as one of a few composers who practice Russell’s Lydian Chromatic Concept.
YOSHI KATO
DOWNBEAT
Unsurprisingly, Racha Fora excels most when performing Honshuku’s pieces, and Ikeda’s emotive solos on the Honshuku-penned “Chicken Don” and “Door 8” are a highlight. Full review here.
LANCE LIDDLE
BEBOP SPOKEN HERE
This tribute to Miles Davis is quite delightful. The unusual combination of the flute/violin front-line over a Brazilian rhythm section works well. Full review here.
RAUL DA GAMA
WORLD MUSIC REPORT
Racha S’Miles is a record so utterly fresh and viscerally exciting that it would not be shocking to find yourself holding your breath as the music whips past like a movable carnival. Full review here.
GEORGE HARRIS
JAZZ WEEKLY
Ringer of the week! The results are a winning mix of sounds and rhythms that put a fresh light on the Prince of Darkness’ pen. Full review here.
JAMES NADAL
ALL ABOUT JAZZ
With their unique personnel lineup and musical abilities, Racha S'Miles is one worthy of further listening and appreciation. Read full four star review here!
CHRIS SPECTOR
MIDWEST RECORD
A nu cut road on a well worn path, this set is a winner throughout! Full review here.
WOODROW WILKINS
SMOOTH JAZZ DAILY
A merging of culture, Japanese improvisation with Brazilian rhythms! Full review here.
DANIELE CAMERLENGO
SUONO
Racha Fora Quintet (formed by a Brazilian rhythm section and the rest being Japanese musicians), has gathered and elaborated the teachings of the American trumpeter migrating his greatest pieces into an unknown but greatly expressive dimension.! Full review here.