“On A History of Choro, their first recorded collaboration, guitarist Rogério Souza, guitarist Edinho Gerber, and percussionist Ami Molinelli survey the musical history and evolution of choro, revealing its rhythmic and harmonic permutations and, in the process, create an album that is coherent in timbre and vision while marvelously varied in its nuances.”
—-Best of the Bay Jazz albums 2019, San Jose Mercury News (Andy Gilbert)
The percussive magic in the beginning, middle, and end of “Vignette do Pandeiro” seals the deal, a magnificent feat of rhythmic, musical integration, the icing on top of a very generous, rich cake, and all Bay Area phenom, Ami Molinelli on Brazilian tambourine (pandeiro) — at her very best. Carol Banks Weber – Festival Peak – Depois .
Expertly and lovingly played, these southern sounds sound most natural in the hands of these players.
(Historia do Choro album – Duo Violão + 1)
Midwest Record
Molinelli has been an essential part of the Bay Area’s Brazilian music scene for more than a decade, performing widely as a cofounder of Grupo Falso Baiano, one of several excellent Bay Area choro ensembles. The instrumentation is one of the reasons why the trio brings such a fresh perspective to the music.
(Historia do Choro album with Rogério Souza & Edinho Gerber)
Classical Voice
Ami Molinelli has become a virtuoso on all manner of percussion instruments including the brazilian tambourine called the pandeiro
Reese Erlich –NPR – California Report
Ami Molinelli’s eclectic percussion on this recording is a rare treat. Here is a chance to hear some very unusual percussive instruments with all their piquant qualities. Here is the Pandeiro, (resembling a tambourine but differing in that it can be tuned and also has cupped metal jangles), and the Zabumba, a Brazilian bass drum. Molinelli’s stunning opening solo on “Deixa O Breque” will bring this challenge of skins and bells to your system in all of their grandeur and finery. The recording quality here beautifully reveals the twinkles and sparkles, (as well as the deep contoured sounds), of these unusual percussive sources.
By Nelson Brill – The Stereo Times
It was the enchanting percussion intro on “Deixa O Breque“, & the totally enchanting full-tilt spirit of freedom that made my pick as favorite, but all ten songs display high energy talent!
Dick Metcalf – Zzaj Productions