Search - As Meninas :: Bom Dia

Gentle Bossa Nova Tribute

bordersj2 | Boston | 02/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As Meninas - this is a totally different group than the one that released the more familiar (happy yet silly) dance tracks along with the song Xibom Bombom. Hey, I like the other As Meninas too but I want to emphasis that these are two very different sounding groups - they are nothing alike. This particular As Meninas here is far more laid back and low key. The group features Monica Vasconselos on vocals, Ingrid Laubrock on sax, Ife Tolentino on guitar and Chris Wells with backing vocals and the sambas. This cd really is like a tribute to Bossa Nova/MPB songs. But the story of how this band got together is sort of interesting - Monica pretty much took control. I like Monica's voice. It's not perfect by far - some songs she's way off key (Bom Dia), but sometimes when she sings it surprised me what she could do with the classic Bossa Nova/MPB tracks here. Her voice is very gentle and mature - not high pitched. In fact, if you have heard lounge experts "Les Hommes" EP release, you can hear her featured in "Touched by the Hand of Tenorio". And Ingrid Laubrock complimented her quite well with the sax, making them like a duet on the tracks. My favorite song here is definitely "Para-Raio", but the remake to Chovendo Na Roseira is also very good. To be honest I can listen to this cd all the way through.I recommend this CD - although I fear that this may be increasingly difficult to find. Be warned though - it's a bit acoustic and does not have anything to do with the big "new" sound coming out of Brazil. But the cd features a warm sound and feel. Check it out, and if you do like this, maybe check out music from Ana Caram... specifically her "Bossa Nova" album."