Just Perfect!
Olaf Brugman | Doetinchem, the Netherlands | 10/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD raises the expectation to be a fine representative of contemporary Brazilian music, given the high quality ingredients: Míucha, Bebel Gilberto (daughter), Chico Buarque (brother), all music and lyrics by The Poet: Vinicius de Morães. And Toquinho, Zeca Pagodinho, Daniel Jobim, and Yamandú.
Listening to it even more than satisfies this expection. Frankly, it is a perfectly produced and appealing CD, that avoids to offer 'clichés'. The songs are a perfect choice, showing the best of Vinicius's contemplative, intense love song lyrics: Tomara, Saudades do Brasil em Portugal, Medo de Amar, Canção de Nós Dois, Cem Por Cento, and others.
The absolute smasher on this one is Teleco Teco, a duet with Zeca Pagodinho, king of samba pagode. It starts with a choo-choo train type of riff by the copper section, which would make any big band leader instantaneously jealous, acccompanied by guitar and percussion. The subtle and perfectly piano, playing Count Basie's play-as-few-notes-as-you-can style gives a beautifl contrast. Courtesy of Cristovão Bastos.
And then there's the contrast between Miúcha and Zeca. Miúcha's warm, smooth voice, calm and controlled, contrasting with Zeca's playful and a bit naughty style. The band maintaining the contrast between up-tempo playing instruments, and the bass and piano that keep maintain their calmness and keep it all together. Apart from the vocals and instrumental performance, this piece is a masterpiece and example of perfect production
The production is perfect, and creating a relaxed ambiance throughout the CD, the band playing introvertedly but perfectly timed and balanced, putting the vocalists in the spotlights. With room for stunning instrumental solos, such as Jessé Sadock's flügelhorn solo in Saudades do Brasil em Portugal. And furthermore a spanish-classical guitar piece by Yamandú (Valsa de Eurídice), lush and sensual tenor sax in Cem Por Cento.
Another aspect that was smartly done, is combining Brazilian soul (vocalists, band, The Poet, arrangements, production) with a jazz club ambiance: informal but impressive and attracting attention.
And finally there's the CD cover, showing Míucha on Rio de Janeiro's beaches, with the Sugar Loaf and Cristo Redentor in the background. Even if this is a bit stereotype, they perfectly promote what it is: an export product. But a high quality and appealing one for that matter. The perfect souvenir to matar saudades' for who got enchanted by the city and the country. And that's why I last minute-grabbed it in the airport. No regrets, of course.
"
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1