Mauricio Einhorn is like a goldsmith of Brazilian instrumental music - and “Travessuras”, one of his precious pieces. A musician who contributed to the formation of Bossa Nova music in the late 1950s, the 90-year-old Einhorn is considered the most important harmonica player in Brazil. His improvisation talent and sophisticated creativity are manifested throughout “Travessuras.” Samba-jazz and Bossa Nova, the genres that mark Einhorn’s work, prevail through most of the album. As for the tracks, while many are enlightened by the piano of César Camargo Mariano (one of the biggest producers and arrangers of Música Popular Brasileira), others worth noting are “Já Era,” a Bossa Nova composition that starts discrete and gains robustness as the track evolves; the bolero-like “São Conrado,” which evokes a beach atmosphere; and “Artimanhas,” adding a touch of burlesque to Einhorn’s jazz work. In the sweet “Valsa Para Marina,” Einhorn’s album takes an interesting detour and bets on a waltz-like arrangement. “Travessuras” closes in high style with “Please, Could You Play it Again?,” a smooth Bossa Nova that invigorates the state of mind of any listener.

– Beatriz Miranda