Rhythms ensures Badi Assad's reputation as a world class guitar master. On this cd Badi adds to the classical guitar based finger stylings, hip punctuating strums and smart sense of the song featured on her excellent Solo release from 1993. Adding the unique sound of harmonic copper pipes made by Paulo Oliveira for the memorable "Moods" while ranging through vocal accompaniments including hums and whispers on "Feixe" to the popping oral sound effects of "Rhythms". Badi pulls at the boundaries of sound.

The limits of the guitar's sound are uniquely explored on several songs on rhythms. "Pau Brasil" written by Paulo Steinberg features rapid runs, and rhythmic beatings on the top of the acoustic guitar making an alternate sense of the cd's title. "Pulo do gato" by Paulo Bellinati, opens the album in style with an engaging downward spiraling chord progression, fascinating arpeggiated sections, and palette cleansing harmonic riffs. According to the liner notes, the song was completed just in time for inclusion--this rich adaptation continued the creative process before the ink could dry on the music stand!

Once again the Chesky recording expertise is put to excellent use, a must have for fans of guitar, rhythm and brazilian music.