By Alexa Peters | Published January 2026
Like palm trees in the breeze, the newest record from Philadelphia-based drummer Tom Cohen is a subdued delight, highlighting his deep ties to Brazil’s music scene and study of bossa nova.
Embraceable Brazil marks Cohen’s first album of Brazilian repertoire, but he has adored its blend of jazz and samba since he was a child growing up in Newark, New Jersey. Still, it wasn’t until he organized a series of recording sessions for American and Brazilian musicians in the 2010s that Cohen dove deeper into the style.
Brazilian musicians appear throughout Embraceable Brazil, including guitarist Chico Pinheiro, whose sensitive melodic touch and lush chords shimmer; pianist João Bueno, who plays with sensitivity and lyricism; and charming, understated vocalist Barbara Mendes. American musicians also stand out, like late tenor legend Larry McKenna, whose buttery tone on “The Girl From Ipanema” is a soulful tribute to Stan Getz.
The record’s subtle twists on familiar classics from both Brazilian and American popular repertoire are also a thrill. Toninho Horta’s 1975 tune “Aquelas Coisas Todas” leans into jazz fusion with atmospheric effects from John Swana on Electronic Valve Instrument (EVI). The Carly Simon classic “You’re so Vain” also gets an innovative, lounge-y bossa nova treatment, Swana and melodica player Rob Hyman sharing the melody over Cohen’s rock-solid Latin drum groove.
As it highlights authentic Brazilian chops and inspired renditions of classics, Embraceable Brazil is both a reverent and refreshing take on this beloved musical tradition.
