Until now, Cinnamon Flower has been a forgotten milestone in the history of Brazilian Jazz, as well as a high point in the career of its nominal leader, tenor saxophonist Charlie Rouse. Prior to 1977, when the album was released, Rouse had spent eleven years as the musical alter ego of Thelonious Monk — a credit that has predictably overshadowed everything else on his resume.

For Cinnamon Flower, Charlie enlisted the help of some top crack Brazilian locals. Dom Salvador, Amaury Tristao, Dom Um Romao, Portinho and Claudio Roditi were hooked up with some of NYCs finest – Ron Carter and Clifford Adams.

The initial recording by Resonance Records president George Klabin was tampered with overdubs, synthesizers and unnecessary coloration. This release of the original recording from 2xHD and Resonance Records with all its excitement and enthusiasm gives a fresh chance to revisit a musician who almost from the start was deemed “underrated.”

Even people who barely know Jazz would know the names Parker, Hodges, Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, to name a few. Charlie Rouse is on that level for many but is barely known by comparison.

Charlie Rouse, Tenor Sax
Ron Carter, Bass
Clifford Adams, Trombone
Claudio Roditi, Trumpet
Amaury Tristấo, Acoustic Guitar
Dom Salvador, Piano
Portinho, Drums & Percussion
Steve Thornton, Percussion
Jesse Levy, Cello