Brazilian Soul teams guitarists Laurindo Almeida, the man most generally credited with combining jazz and Brazilian music into what was to become bossa nova, and Charlie Byrd, the first one to popularize that form in America. They both possess vast knowledge of Brazilian music, slong with the flawless technique needed to play it. Brazilian Soul features almost no improvisation, as both guitarists tightly arranged every selection. Almeida adds a spontaneous phrase here and there as a transition between segments on some pieces, while Byrd stretches out a bit on "For Jeff" and "Stone Flower" (one of the album's highlights). Certainly a great listening experience. Instrumental Guitar (Acoustic/World/Jazz), total running time, 37:17 - Almeida/Byrd @ iTunes!