The title is spot on. It doesn’t tell you it’s a bossa nova album; the repetitive use of “Bossa” in the songlist is a clue; but it doesn’t have to. The genre is globally associated with Brazil, a country Kenny G has apparently taken a liken to. Paradise, from years back, if you remember, begins with Brazil; a song that wouldn’t sound out of place here.
Brazilian Nights serves wine-fine as, if nothing else, background mood music. There’s nothing even close to being a classic standout to my ears; dare I say the slightly annoying sound of a saxophone is generally the worst part of any Kenny G album; but I wouldn’t object to it playing softly at, say, an outside dinner party serving Brazilian food.
my rating : 3 of 5
2015