Reinaldo Brahn & Jim Brock
Evening Muse
Nov. 26, 2011

Brazilian transplant Reinaldo Brahn and Charlotte's Jim Brock hit the stage in the simplest manner, each seated on stage and looking relaxed, before presenting a complex mix of Brazilian soul and diverse percussion at the Evening Muse on Nov. 26.

The duo, who worked together on the October-released album, Brasiliero Soul, sailed through an hour and 45 minutes set including songs from the album and a bossa nova-infused cover of The Police's "Roxanne."

Brahn's smooth soulful vocal tone is reminiscent of Stevie Wonder in its delivery, while he also adds in some jazzy scatting from time to time. His guitar playing offers a generally acoustic tone coaxed to its edges through finger picking, strumming and the right amount of pluck.

Meanwhile, Brock's wizardry on percussion is simply stunning as he combined a snare, high hat, drum, cajón and other instruments. Where most percussionists might leave well enough alone and stick with one instrument, Brock has the ear and talent to add a cymbal crash here, a foot tap there, a handclap when needed or even just the click of a stick against the side of the snare. It's these layers that add a whole other dimension to the music at the ideal moments without overdoing it.

He redefines the conventional idea when it comes to instruments such as a triangle and tambourine, adding as much rhythm to the music as it does tones. He even found a moment for a brief drum solo using a bodhrán.

The duo's performance offered a great combination of talents and styles that is a welcome addition to Charlotte's music scene.