Background
Introducing “Brazilian Heart” (1996, remastered in 2024), my second musical release that is a testament to my journey abroad as a musician. This album is a collection of my compositions, each inspired by Brazilian Jazz and Folklore’s vibrant rhythms and inspiring melodies.
The creation of this album was the conclusion of the five-and-a-half years I spent in the pulsating heart of New York City, where I was privileged to collaborate with some of the most masterful musicians in the genre. Luckily, I persuaded some of them to appear on the album.
The city’s dynamic energy and diverse cultural influences have left an indelible mark on my music, evident in every ‘Brazilian Heart’ track. This collaboration continues in my subsequent releases, ‘Jazz Brazil‘ from 2023 and ‘Dialogues‘ from 2024. Each album is a chapter in my musical journey, a story of exploration, learning, and growth.
As a special treat, two songs have lyrics by the great singer-songwriter Celso Adolfo from Minas Gerais, and one is by the legendary Fernando Brant, who has written lyrics for many songs by Milton Nascimento.
Selected Reviews
Completely Warm and Soft Brazilian Fusion … Electric bass player Torben Westergaard has visited Japan several times. He has solid technique and personality, and his new group plays Brazilian music that runs smoothly and comfortably through him. In his bass solos, he plays fantastic things with ease
Swing Journal, Japan
It wouldn’t be surprising if it becomes a groundbreaking breakthrough with good melodies, inciting soft rhythms… And highly fulfilled ambitions. This is how you make a record when you don’t want to be limited by the constricting bands of the oppressive mentality that says, ‘Don’t think you’re anything special.
Jazzspecial, DK
And for heaven’s sake, he can write melodies… Beautifully captured the essence of the newer Brazilian music with the mix of sweetness and elegant energy.
Politiken, DK
There is plenty of melodic delicacy and rhythmic qualities in the compositions and they are performed superbly and virtuously… His melodies go straight in, they seem very natural and right.
Djembe, DK
A successful Danish record with Brazilian music!.. Extremely well-written and captivatingly played.
Aarhus Stiftstidende, DK
Credits
- Steve Sacks: Saxophones and Flute
- Dario Eskenazi: Piano and Keyboards
- Torben Westergaard: Bass and Voice
- Portinho: Drums and Percussion
- Silvana Malta: Vocal
© 1996.
All music composed by Torben Westergaard.
Lyrics by Celso Adolfo and Fernando Brant.
Remastered in 2024 by Carlo Laurentz