Some of 2007's more engaging world music releases have involved a quirky take on folk music: Volga's techno Russian folklore, or Egschiglen's powerful Mongolian reimaginings. For this project, pianist-arranger Benjamim Taubkin has taken traditional music from Brazil to make a charming, dreamlike hybrid. The basic lineup - mixed vocals, bass, piano, percussion - perform those lopsided, strutting rhythms we associate with north- eastern Brazil. From this Taubkin has made the most deliciously melodic album, which bears repeated listening.

There are songs from Pernambuco, from Maranhão and Vitória da Conquista, and a couple of themes from Mozambique, including the beautiful O Le-Le. No Bater is a hypnotic chant that evolves into a gorgeous chord sequence reminiscent of Hermeto Pascoal; Joyce flautist Teco Cardoso guests. Cirandas, a three-part suite augmented by accordion and cello, demonstrates Taubkin's subtle piano-playing at its most eloquent and effective. A stunning album.