When Elis Regina and Antonio Carlos Jobim came together to record this album in 1974, she – at 29 – was already considered one of Brazil's greatest singers, and he was renowned as one of the country's most beloved songwriters. Yet the two luminaries hardly knew each other and reportedly were actually nervous about meeting. The chemistry once they sat down to record, though, is now legendary – and palpable on this seminal recording. The record opens with Jobim's famous "Aguas De Março" (Waters of March). Though it wasn't the first recording of the song, the duo's laughing exchanges and Regina's easy yet precise mastery made this version definitive. Regina also puts her stamp on Jobim classics such as "Triste" and "Corcovado." Elsewhere the duo and their understated accompaniment alternate between laid-back syncopated swing and slower songs that showcase the emotional range of Regina's celebrated instrument. Rightfully considered a classic, this album represents two musical giants at the height of their powers. Regina – who died of an overdose at 37 – sings with power, delicacy, swing and emotion; while Jobim exudes an avuncular charm that is made up of equal parts elegance and good humor. Marty Lipp, Barnes & Noble
BANDA DO CASACO's genesis comes from the reunion of jazz musician Nuno Rodrigues and FILARMÓNICA FRAUDE's men António Pinho and Luís Linhares, who made the decision to establish a new group who could wield some influence in the Portuguese music scene…
Excellent work from Flora Purim – one of the wonderful west coast bits of Braziliana recorded in the Fantasy Records studios during the mid 70s! The record's a perfect example of the greatness that arose when Brazil's best talents had the chance to work with some of America's best jazz and fusion players – a sublime fusion of talents that resulted in a groove that would dominate the west coast scene for most of the 70s. In this case, Flora's backed by a great group that includes Hadley Caliman, Oscar Castro-Neves, Carlos Santana, Ron Carter, George Duke, Earl Klugh, and Airto – and the set includes a great choice of breezy numbers, perfect for Flora's vocals, like "Vera Cruz", "Silver Sword", "Casa Forte", "Mountain Train", and "Search For Peace".
The awarded Quarteto Em Cy is the most important female vocal quartet currently in Brazil. The group, originally formed by four sisters, began its career around 1963 and was discovered by the fundamental poet Vinícius de Moraes. With several changes in its formation throughout the years, this release was recorded with the latest, formed by the three original members Cyva, Cybele, and Cynara, together with Soninha. It's a tardy tribute to Vinícius, entirely dedicated to his songs. The group's excellent vocal performances are enhanced by welcomed special appearances: Vinícius himself, Tom Jobim, Chico Buarque, Toquinho, and Célia Vaz. The vocal arrangements were signed by an expressive team: Luiz Eça, Oscar Castro-Neves, Célia Vaz, Luiz Cláudio Ramos, and Cynara.
Honeysuckle Rose / Aquarela Do Brasil is a 1969 bossa nova-style jazz album by Elis Regina and Toots Thielemans on the Fontana Special sublabel of Philips Records. Release number is 6424 088. It features the Elis Cinque quintet, in a lineup with Toots Thielemans (guitar and harmonica), Elis Regina (vocals), Antonio Adolfo (piano), Roberto Menescal (guitar) and Wilson das Neves (percussion).
After countless solo guitar albums for Pablo, Joe Pass performed this welcome change of pace, a set of Brazilian tunes. Joined by fellow guitarist Oscar Castro Neves, bassist Octavio Bailly, drummer Claudio Slon, percussionist Paulinho da Costa and keyboardist Don Grusin, Pass plays warm solos on a variety of Brazilian tunes. Highlights include three songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim (including "Corcovado" and "Wave"), Deodato's "Tears," and Luiz Bonfa's "The Gentle Rain." A melodic and infectious date that has been reissued on CD.
This 1976 album by the late saxophonist Stan Getz is a reunion of sorts with Joao Gilberto, the great Brazilian guitarist and singer, and the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim (or Tom Jobim), along with the stylish and nonintrusive arrangements of Oscar Carlos Neves. The trio changed the world in the early 1960s with its Getz/Gilberto albums. With Neves, they almost did it again, but with all of the crap falling down around them in the musical climate of the mid-'70s - fusion, disco, overblown rock, and the serious decline of jazz - this disc was criminally overlooked at the time. Joining these four men in their realization of modern bossa and samba are drummers Billy Hart and Grady Tate, percussionists Airto, Ray Armando, and Ruben Bassini, bassist Steve Swallow, pianist Albert Dailey, and Heliosoa Buarque…
Review
Paula Morelenbaum is known for absolutely authentic, traditional takes on bossa classis, particularly Tom Jobim, with whom she and her husband Jaques, performed. But here she is taking on the eletro/ bossacucanova/bebel/eletronica thing with rather strong results. My favorite track by far is the little samba well-known from the Black Orpheus soundtrack, Jobim's O Nosso Amor, which is rarely redone compared to other gems from that film. Here its just giddy with guitar by Luiz Brasil, shortened lyrics, and an almost childlike simplicity from the singer. The other tracks are also a pleasure – not only because they draw on wonderful, classic compostions but because every arrangement is unique and not much of her husband's cello has been shoehorned into the project (normally his playing is great, but
here it's really out of place.By Eric Crawford - California, USA