Beautiful Voice, Wonderful Instrumentation by...
bordersj2 | Boston | 12/30/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Nicola Conte. The real name of this cd is "Nicola Conte Apresenta Rosalia De Souza: Garota Moderna". This is perhaps the closest thing to a new release from Nicola Conte besides the numerous remixes that he's done and the Jet Sounds Revisited CD. For a bit of background, this cd was released on Schema label, which is home to Gerardo Frisina, Nicola Conte, Fragmentorchestra, S-Tone Inc., Soulstance and the Break and Bossa franchinse and countless other dj's and producers in Italy. From that alone, you can get sort of the style of this cd. It is very jazzy, but the singer, Rosalia De Souza, has worked with other Schema artists as well. Namely, Les Hommes and Quintetto X, ranging in everything from a sort of trippy feel to jazziness.I had to get my copy of this from abroad, but let me say that it was well worth it. I first really found out Brazilian voice behind many songs thanks to the Break & Bossa vol 5 double disc set (also on Schema label). When that compilation came out, the tracks which featured her were sort of dj prototypes. But both tracks are actually included in this release - almost identical to the ones on Break & Bossa. The style of the cd is the Bossa you would expect from Schema label artists and Conte. Up-beat and catchy, sounds of the 60's and 70's with imposing touches of modern flair. This is definitely something you would hear in a happening lounge where you can hear the person beside you yet wonder what is playing overhead. Remakes of old Brazilian classics are included, from the first track: Maria Moita on down to Canto De Ossanha and Adriana, Saudisismo - a Caetano Veloso track, and Ipanema. Rosalia De Souza's voice is amazing - very soft and delicate. Then comes some of the other works which both Souza and Conte worked on, like Bossa 31, Mais and As Gotas, a track that seems tailor made to their style together. I definitely recommend this CD. I'd been waiting for the next Conte CD for quite some time. While this is very different from the style of Jet Sounds, it is still a refreshing cd and perfect addition to the collection - they do go hand in hand. Downside to this? Well, Zona Sul, the second to last track on this cd is actually the same as "Zig-Zag" on Break N Bossa, only it is without the lyrics - Rosalia's voice is used as an instrument. It is nice, but you get kind of used to her voice. PICK THIS UP! Jazzy, and a terrific work."
6 Stars
Robert Thorbourne | Carson, CA USA | 04/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is Fabulous. I copy all my CD's to my computer and listen to them from there, so I can delete the ones I don't like and just listen to the good stuff. Well, I kept 11 tracks which by any standards is a masterpiece. This CD has my highest recommendations. This version has 13 tracks, the additional track "Canto de Ossanha" is first rate. I deleted Mais and Samba Novo."
Melodic heaven - jazz/bossa nova masterpiece
Robert Thorbourne | 03/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is a shame that Nicola Conte is still so little well known. I was utterly amazed, as I leaned against the counter where he was so unassumingly and smoothly spinning his favorite jazz, bossa Italia, latin, and brazilian records in Zürich's "X-tra" last fall. Jet Sounds was definite ear-candy to those looking for a rehashed retro-lounge, 60's James Bond, Bossa Italia sound. However, together with Rosalia de Souza, he has produced here a collection of beautiful bossa nova and jazz tracks. Not as immediately catchy as Jet Sounds, but far more melodic. You will hear haunting Brazilian samba mastery by Vinicius De Moraes, Baden Powell, Caetano Veloso and Roberto Menescal. But you may perhaps be even more amazed and surprised by Nicola's and Rosalia's own compositions. If you don't know how to Samba, that's okay, you will have figured it out after listening to this record a few times! Inspiring and enlivening, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Nicole Conte remains the epitomy of cool."
