Running at a career high thanks to some very
impressive albums, both as a solo artist and as part of the original Return To
Forever line-up, a strong and highly unique voice, and some incredible notices
and reviews for her recorded output and live shows, Flora Purim did what all
good jazz artists do, and recorded a live album that justifiably stands
shoulder-to-shoulder with her acclaimed studio efforts.
‘500 Miles High’ gives us the cream of Purim playing
live at the 1974 Montreux Jazz Festival, and supported by a typically strong
and inspired group, most of whom had played on many of her then current
records. As was usual for the time, husband Airto lends his percussive and
vocal skills, while Ron Carter fills in on bass in his own unique way, Pat Rebillot
handles keyboards, Herbie Mann plays flute and the stellar yet underappreciated
David Amaro lets his soaring guitar fly throughout.
In fact, the band members are given such generous
spaces and solo opportunities to show their thing that it feels as much a group
album as it does a Flora Purim one. Without her the collective showcased here
would have delivered something truly spellbinding – as they frequently do – but
when the iconic singer takes the mic, everything is elevated to an almost
transcendant high, with Purim enhancing everything here above their studo
counterparts. Her near signature theme ‘500 Miles High’ is here electric and
full of high energy, while Milton Nascimento joins in for a guest spot on both
guitar and vocals for joyful and uplifting highlight in the form of his own
‘Cravo E Canela’.
A near perfect recording of a great live show, the
only down note is that at only just over forty minutes it’s too short and
leaves you craving much more. One of Purim’s greatest records, her studio recordings
are definitely to be investigated first, but this is a gorgeous and dancingly
beautiful piece of the songstress in her prime and is essential for anyone who
is bewitched by her other performances, either under her own name or with Chick
Corea. ‘500 Miles High’ is perfectly gorgeous.
****
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