Latin Odyssey
by Scott YanowThe second meeting on records by Brazilian guitarists Laurindo Almeida and Charlie Byrd is similar to their first in that the emphasis is on melodies and arrangements with only subtle improvising in spots. The quartet is completed by Joe Byrd or Bob Magnusson on bass and Chuck Redd or Jeff Hamilton playing drums. Almeida and Byrd perform works from several South American composers (including Astor Piazzola) plus the current show tune "Memory" and the peaceful music holds one's interest.