Search - Carmen Miranda :: Carmen Miranda (1930-1945)

Fine numbers from Carmen Miranda's early years in show biz

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 01/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD gives us twenty-three numbers performed by the great Carmen Miranda during the 1930s--and a few from later on up to 1945--that you probably won't get on a more mainstream Carmen Miranda CD. These songs include her first test track for recording on the Victor label, "Pra Voce Gostar De Mim (Tai)," and several relatively obscure tunes. This, therefore, is for the diehard Carmen Miranda fan or people who love Brazilian music from the 1930s.



The album starts with "Iaia, Ioio" and Carmen sings this very beautifully; she was just twenty at the time of this recording but her pipes were fully developed for sure! The percussion and the brass create a carnival type of flavor mixed with a marching beat and Carmen never misses a note. Pra Voce Gostar De Mim (Tai)" was Carmen's first recording for Victor and she bats this one straight out of the ballpark. Carmen's solo vocals are rather beautiful and the brass enhances the beauty of the number.



"Malandro" has that South American flavor and the backup singer adds to Carmen's performance. Carmen never sounded better and her voice is as clear as a bell even on this old recording. "Mamae Nao Quer" hints at the type of number Carmen would eventually perform quite routinely in Hollywood; and the rhythm is terrific!



"Amor! Amor!" has some surface noise but Carmen's voice sounds quite good and the male backup singers harmonize very well. "Eu Quero Casar Com Voce" features Carmen singing; and the guitar arrangement impresses me with its beauty. "Eu Quero Casar Com Voce" has a good arrangement for the strings, too.



Moreover, listen for "Salada Mista." This is another ballad that hints at the type of number Carmen would perform during her Hollywood years; she harmonizes brilliantly with the male backup chorus. The album ends with "Tico-Tico No Fuba:' this was recorded in Los Angels in 1945 and now we see a more mature Carmen singing in a most beautiful way--just like the way the Hollywood bosses wanted her to sing.



The liner notes come with an informative essay that several pages long although the essay is uncredited. There's a nice picture of a young Carmen with her mother and one of her sisters.



Overall, this is for the diehard fan because most of these melodies and tunes are from the days before Carmen went to Hollywood to become rich and famous. However, people who like Brazilian classic pop vocals may just like this CD as well. The quality of the sound isn't always the best; but these are rare recordings and they are well worth it if this is what you want.



Four and ½ stars.

"

Original Brazilian Music

Matthew G. Sherwin | 09/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Music that comes from the old soul of Brazil with one of these special brazilian styles that make brazilian music so great and unique."