João Donato & Eumir Deodato – Donato/Deodato (Muse, 1973)

João Donato (kybd); Eumir Deodato (kybd, arr, cond); Randy Brecker (tr); Michael Gibson (tb); Romeo Penque (fl, whistle); Mauricio Einhorn (harmonica); Bob Rose (g); Dud Bascomb (el b); Allan Schwartzberg (d); Airto Moreira (perc); Ray Baretto (cga)

Recorded on March 26 and April 10, 1973

Reissued on 32 Jazz as João Donato: Arranged & Conducted by Deodato (1999)

Brazilian pianist João Donato connnected with Muse's Joe Fields while performing as a sideman for fellow Brazilian Dom Um Romão.  For some reason, Romão doesn't appear on the record.  Instead, Airto Moreira takes his place.  (Maybe Romão was on the road with Weather Report?)  Ray Barretto is also on board, making for one helluva percussion section.

When Muse released this record in 1973, they chose to credit Eumir Deodato as the co-leader. That turned out to be a big mistake, since Deodato was under exclusive contract with CTI.  After some wrangling, the lawyers sorted it all out.  But you'll notice that the 32 Jazz reissue gives leadership credit solely to João Donato. 

Like so much Brazilian music, this is joyous and irresistible.  I actually prefer Deodato's work here to any of his solo releases.

Check out the super-funky opening cut, "Whistle Stop":

I intend to explore more of Donato's discography.  Thus far, aside from this record, I've only heard Donato as a sideman; most notably with Mongo Santamaria. 

Wax Poetics published a very interesting article on Donato.  If you would like to read it, click here.