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Worth checking out...

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 02/06/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think the previous Amazon review (by "Gypsy Guitars") is a bit harsh... Here's a second opinion, to add some balance.



Classical pianist Clara Sverner, who previously explored the work of Brazilian jazz pioneer Pixinguinha in a series of collaborations with saxophonist Paulo Moura, here turns her hand towards the work of composer Chiquinha Gonzaga. These tunes were originally composed between 1877-1902, a time when Brazilian popular music (and the samba in particular) was being born. Sverner's interpretations are beautiful, though a bit prim; you may be reminded of Max Morath's famous renditions of Scott Joplin's ragtime ouvre... I liked this album, although folks looking for rawer versions of Brazilian music might find it too tame... If so, try the Revivendo label's excellent 2-CD set of Gonzaga's old recordings that came out a few years back... Or better yet, try both albums together... the contrast is illuminating!"