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Porto Novo is an album by American saxophonist Marion Brown. It was recorded on December 14, 1967 in Soest, The Netherlands, and was released in 1967 on the Freedom label. The album features Brown on alto saxophone, Maarten van Regteren Altena on bass, and Han Bennink on drums.

Porto Novo was the result of Brown’s first musical encounter with European free improvisers. According to Brown, the experience helped him transition from being a solo-oriented musician to one who was able to think both compositionally and in terms of structured improvisations.

The album title refers to the former Portuguese colony from which African slaves were sent to the Caribbean and North America.

Reception

In a review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow wrote: “This was one of altoist Marion Brown’s best recordings. Although a very adventurous improviser, Brown usually brought lyricism and a thoughtful (if unpredictable) approach to his music… for this stimulating session…, Brown stretches out on five of his compositions and is heard at the peak of his creative powers.”

The authors of the Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings awarded the album 4 stars, calling it “a surprise and a delight.”

Track listing
All compositions by Marion Brown.

“Similar Limits” – 6:25
“Sound Structure” – 6:10
“Improvisation” – 5:50
“QBIC” – 6:32
“Porto Novo” – 11:55
Recorded December 14, 1967 in Soest, The Netherlands.

Personnel
Marion Brown – alto saxophone
Maarten van Regteren Altena – bass
Han Bennink – drums

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Released: 1967
Recorded: December 14, 1967
Label: Freedom