A beautiful homage to classic Brazilian bossa nova
Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 01/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The smooth, versatile rock guitarist Smokey Hormel (known for his work with Tom Waits, Beck, and others) and vocalist Miho Hatori (of Cibo Matto fame) teamed up out of their mutual appreciation for the haunting 1966 album, "Os Afro Sambas," a Brazilian bossa nova classic by guitarist Baden Powell and poet Vinicius De Moraes that remains mysteriously hard to find, even in this golden age of collector reissues. The Smokey & Miho band formed in 2001 to recreate the entire album in a series of live performances; their first 5-song EP, "Smokey & Miho," built on the mellow, lounge-y bossa vibe (but was mostly made up of original Hatori-Hormel material). On their follow-up EP, they stick to the old stuff, covering four songs off the original "Afro Sambas" album, as well as a fifth vintage Powell/De Moraes composition, "Consolacao." The entire "Tempo De Amor" EP is a delight -- Hatori's vocals recapture the feel of the original vocals by the all-female Quarteto Em Cy, while Hormel's fluid guitar work is able to build apon Powell's haunting music, bringing a new modern warmth to the spooky source material. Fans of classic Brazilian bossa nova should love this affectionate homage. Highly recommended!"
Like Gal Costa
Leo Serra | tempe, AZ | 07/10/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Miho Hatori has the same type of voice, Gal Costa and Maria Creuza (who used to sang along with Vinicius) had in the 60's and 70's , soft, tender, in a unique brasileira way- doesn't matter Miho is not Brazilian, her voice sounds brasileira-. If you like bossa nova, go for it."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1