ED MOTTA – AOR (2013)

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What you can expect from a man who entitled his brand new album “AOR” ? Well, just precisely a wonderful recording flooded with all the magic of the genre from a first time fan: ED MOTTA.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, through the years Motta has covered many musical genres – even hard rock during his teens – releasing several CD’s (some achieving gold status), toured extensively all over the world as solo artist or as guest with renowned musicians, composed two film soundtracks, and as said, he is a music fan as well, ranked worldwide as one of the biggest LP/vinyl collectors possessing more than 30,000 records.

But fundamentally, Ed is a delicate singer, exquisite composer and a very good keyboardist as well.
“AOR” is his twelfth solo recording and the first recorded in English, with lyrics penned by afamed Rob Gallagher. There’s also a Portuguese version (which I own too) with the same music tracks but completely different lyrics, and believe me, both are awesome.
The title here is no lie, as Ed’s a huge fan of AOR modes from the late ’70s / early ’80s – especially those pristine sounds from the L.A. scene that perfectly blended smooth melodies with sweet studio perfection – an approach he goes for wonderfully here.

This is real music made by real musicians. It holds some amazing songwriting, combined with great arrangements, lush harmonies and outstanding vocals. “AOR” is one of those albums that has hit me like an uppercut on a first play.
I have been listened both versions repeatedly since the last two weeks, at work, at home, driving… I’d go as far to say that it’s completely mind blowing, capturing the pure primal Westcoast AOR essence better than many veterans in this style.
Everything is here; Steely Dan, Pages, Chicago, Toto, Gino Vannelli, Christopher Cross, Player, Boz Scaggs, Eric Tagg, etc, conjured their musos into Ed Motta’s spirit and impeccable good taste.
Of course his is not alone, the session musicians are impressive including solos and guitar harmonies from legend David T. Walker, and very talented guitarist Chico Pinheiro (considered as modern-day Baden Powell) playing great licks, just listen the memorable solo on “1978 (Leave The Radio On)”.
This track title say it all, isn’t it?

One can hear on “AOR” that Ed Motta is a full blown and confident artist ready to take on any offered musical adventure. His pure passion for music graces music lovers and aficionados with the release of this musically sophisticated and exciting tribute to the vintage sound of Classic American Westcoast.
This English CD version is only released in Germany, but you can buy it at a very good price following the links below.
No serious Westcoast AOR collector should pass this Gem by. In my book, this is THE album of 2013 in this genre and it is a Must Have.

01 – Playthings Of Luv
02 – Simple Guy
03 – Lost In The Night
04 – Dondi
05 – Smile
06 – 1978 (Leave The Radio On)
07 – Dried Flowers
08 – AOR
09 – Farmer’s Wife

Ed Motta: Vocals, Rhodes Piano, Percussion
Chico Pinheiro, Torcuato Mariano, Vinicius Rosa, Paulinho: Guitar
David T. Walker: Guitar solos & harmonies
“Bluey” Maunik: guest Guitar solo
Glauton Campello: Acoustic Piano, Wurlitzer 200A & Hohner D6 Clavinet
Jota Moraes: Glockenspiel
Chico Amaral, Aldivas Ayres, Jessé Sadoc, Marcelo Martins: Horns
Robinho Tavares: Bass
Sergio Melo: Drums

BUY IT !
www.dustygroove.com/item/652166
wom.de/poprock/detail/-/art/Ed-Motta-AOR/hnum/3566497
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