A bossa nova passage to India
Amaranth | Northern California | 05/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When "Bossa Nova Delhi" was released in 2001, Bebel Gilberto's debut,"Tanto Tempo", was hitting the charts. While Bebel Gilberto's fame is rightly deserved, Ana Rita Simonkas masterful blend of Brazilian bossa nova with Indian classical music was unjustly neglected.
"Bossa Nova Delhi" fuses Rio de Janeiro with Rajasthan. The opening,"Mais filhos de Gandhi" was featured on Putumayo's now out-of-print "Gardens of Eden",and it serves as a tribute to both Mahatama Gandhi&the samba group,Filhos de Gandhi. "Morena Bengali de Cravo e Canela" gives a Bengali spin to the girl from Ipanema. "Vento Louco" is a joyful song. "Bebes de Calcutta" is dedicated to Mother Teresa of Calcutta. "Lamento de Chuva" and "Viagem de Vida e Morte" both use the electric guitar powerfully. Ana Rita Simonka blends spiritual themes with Brazilian popular musical in a unique,amazing way.
This is an essential for any Brazilian and/or New Age collection!"
Faithful to light indian classical, kirtan and sufi, but not
A. Saha | Brasilia, Brasil | 09/25/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I"m reviewing my review. The title is a bit misleading, as barring one song (morena), there is no bossa nova in the album. That being said, this is an interesting and very melodic album, reproducing lighter aspects of indian classical and islamic sufi music. Her kirtan tracks (first one and others) are good with great percussion and instruments. The bossa song is a nice blend of bossa chordings and tablas, with indian-influenced vocalizations. The album has the potential to grow upon one."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1