Wataru Uchida is a saxophonist originally from Japan, who studied jazz performance as an apprentice of Chico Freeman. He succeeds Freeman's fat tenor sound, which is the Chicago tradition. Uchida's first album, Blue Morpho, is dedicated to Baden Powell, the legendary guitarist of Brazil.
In the recording, Romero Lubambo, the top modern Brazilian jazz guitarist played 'Deixa', written by Baden Powell, with the thrilling samba beat by master percussionist, Cafe da Silva. The pianist of this album, Helio Alves performed fascinating solos on Uchida's original compositions such as 'Blue Morpho' 'Green Eyes'. Helio Alves has ever played wth jazz giants and he was featured in the Grammy-winning release, Joe Henderson's Big Band. Nilson Matta, producer & bassist, worked with Baden Powell from 1972 through 73. He also recorded Joe Henderson's Big Band. The album title tune 'Blue Morpho' has a strong drive of Brazilian rhythm called Biao. Another original tune by Uchida, 'Black Current' has a unique Oriental sound and it is blended well with the slow Latin rhythm, 'Bolero'. One of the most well known tunes by Baden Powell, 'Berimbau' is recorded just as duet of sax and bass.