Moncur III, Grachan: Aco Dei De Madrugada (One Morning I Waked Up Very Early)

A rare meeting of American creative jazz, Brazilian samba and Parisian musical freedom
Recorded in Paris in 1969, Aco Dei De Madrugada (One Morning I Waked Up Very Early) captures pioneering American trombonist Grachan Moncur III in a uniquely intimate setting. Best known for his groundbreaking Blue Note albums Evolution and Some Other Stuff, Moncur travelled to France to record for the celebrated Actuel series on the pioneering BYG Records label. Following the powerful New Africa, Aco Dei De Madrugada became his second album for BYG, revealing a more restrained and melodic side of his artistry.

For this remarkable session, Moncur assembled an international quartet featuring Brazilian pianist and vocalist Fernando Martins, Brazilian drummer Nelson Serra de Castro and acclaimed French bassist Beb Guérin. Rooted in the gentle sway and subtle syncopation of Brazilian samba, the album blends American creative jazz, European harmony and African-derived rhythms. Moncur’s rich, resonant trombone moves between warmth, restraint and emotional intensity, while Martins’ delicate wordless vocals bring an ethereal quality to the title track.

Across four concise performances - including a distinctive interpretation of Edu Lobo’s Brazilian classic ‘Ponteio’ - the quartet creates a sound that is sensual, spacious and deeply expressive. A lesser-known gem in Moncur’s catalogue, Aco Dei De Madrugada stands as a captivating and essential discovery, revealing a richly melodic and deeply expressive side of his music.