Cassio Vianna is an accomplished composer/arranger who received his doctorate degree in jazz studies from the University of Northern Colorado in 2017. He’s now an Assistant Professor of Music (and Director of Jazz Studies) at Pacific Lutheran University. This project opens with “Infancia: A Brazilian Suite in Three Movements for Jazz Orchestra” that Vianna composed in 2016 and inspired by childhood scenes from his youth in Rio de Janeiro’s suburbs. Conducting this big band of nearly 20 masterful Colorado musicians, Dr. Vianna creates a carefree feeling of excitement, uncertainty, passion, joy and optimism. Liner notes credit each contributing musician and creative soloist. A flowing jazz waltz, “April Song,” celebrates springtime in Colorado while “Amizade” (Portuguese for “friendship”) is a poignant tribute to music’s unifying power. “For the Rise of Day” is a haunting composition that captures the flowing tides of night and day in a big city. Closing with Vianna’s first composition after arriving in Colorado in 2014, “Rio Vermelho” (meaning “Colorado River”) was written in Frevo style, a sizzling rhythm with roots in Northeastern Brazil’s carnivals. This is a powerful, satisfying, celebratory album that captures the Cassio Vianna Jazz Orchestra’s exhilarating, expressive musicality.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)