Excellent Recording
A. Davis | Greenville, SC | 07/01/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have been listening to Flora Purim and Milton Nascimento since the mid 70's and this recording follows a long string of excellent recordings by this songbird. Sung in her native Portuguese, this recording captures a small sampling of Milton Nascimento's song book. The music is vibrant and dynamic while Flora's voice rises and falls to the rhythms of Brazil. Flora's voice has gotten better with time - like a fine wine. I still get goose bumps from some of the vocal sounds this woman makes. They don't make singers like this anymore, so I count Flora as a treasure. This is a great first sampling for new Purim fans and a treasure for her seasoned followers. Her Milestone recordings are classics and I only wish that Warner Brothers would get off the dime and release her WB recordings. A WB box set would be nice. Then my collection would be complete. Keep up the vibe Flora - In an oversold world of bubblegum vocalist - you are one of the few keepers of the flame. Peace."
She's still great after these years!
rballjones | Des Moines, IA USA | 09/04/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD has really grown on me; at first I found it a bit too pop-flavored, with several sax-laden tunes--almost like something you'd hear on a "light jazz" station (yuck). But good songs in any form (as well as artists) tend to rise to the occasion and this is no exception. My favorite songs are "Nuvem Cigana," "Nada Sera Como Antes, Amanha," (Nothing Will be as it Was...Reprised), "Nos Dois," and the happily energetic "Cravo E Canela." As you might guess, all the songs are sung in Portuguese. I don't understand the language but I do love the sound of Flora's voice and the fine tunes carry them the rest of the way.Long-time fans of Flora Purim are familiar with "Nothing Will Be as it was, Tomorrow"--the title of one of her best 70's recordings. A rearranged version is on this set. The new one took a bit getting used to but now I like it a lot. It's a bit mellower than the original; the muted horns on the chorus add a particular warmth and swing to this song. Airto Moreira contributes a nice vocal on "Gira Girou." Their daughter, Diana Moreira Booker, also provides backing vocals throughout.My favorite song is "Nos Dois" which begins with an achingly beautiful solo piano followed by Flora's melancholy voice singing about "The Two of Us." If you're familiar with Flora Purim, you'll probably enjoy this new recording the same as the old. And if you don't know her, this is a good introduction to Brazilian flavored jazz and one of her greatest singers."
Sensuous Jazz ....
Patrick N Holloway | Fishers, IN USA | 09/02/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was set to buy another jazz album then I heard this playing and bought it instead. This album has it all - good playing, excellent recording quality, and the enticing seductiveness of Purim's voice. Put this on and have a glass of wine."