George Muribus - Brazilian Tapestry (1976)

George Muribus is a classically trained pianist who studied under Soulima Stravinsky (son of Igor Stravinsky) and Adolph Baller before being drawn into the world of jazz though the influence of pianists like Bill  Evans and Oscar Peterson. He played in various San Francisco jazz clubs during the 60s and on The Pat Britt Quartet's album "Jazz From San Francisco" in 1966, which was released as late as 1971. Muribus also played electric piano on the Escovedo brothers' latin jazz rock band Azteca's self titled album in 1972.

'Brazilian Tapestry' is the first of the two albums George Muribus recorded for the short lived Catalyst jazz label, the second one being 'Trio '77' (1977). There's also a third album called 'Introducing George Muribus', that might've been released on Catalyst, but I couldn't find it on their catalog - or any more info about it in general. I'm guessing it's a compilation album Catalyst released for the japanese market.

Side one consists of the wild uptempo title track, a cheesy Paul Williams song made into a hit by The Carpenters couple of years earlier ('I won't last a day without you') - another failed attempt to appeal a wider audience? - and a light bossa nova ('The dolphin'). Side one sounds more contemporary, or should I say more commercial, than side two, but it's a good vehicle for Muribus to showcase his skills on Fender Rhodes.

On side two Muribus teams up with Len Lasher and Vince Lateaeno as an acoustic jazz trio and shakes off the slight cheesyness of side A.

Japanese P-Vine label released Brazilian Tapestry on CD in 2003, but naturally their CD is hard to obtain.

Track listing:

Side one:

Brazilian Tapestry

I Won't Last a Day Without You

The Dolphin

Side two:

Pocrasni

Dimishing Returns

Night Flower

Alon

Personnel:

Side One:

George Muribus: Electric piano

Dave Dunaway: Bass

Vince Lateano: Drums

Willie Colon: Congas

Michael Howell: Guitar (tracks 1 & 2)

Vince Denham: Tenor saxophone

Side Two:

George Muribus: Piano

Len Lasher: Bass

Vince Lateano: Drums