Search - Jazzinho :: Jazzinho

GET THIS ALBUM!

bordersj2 | Boston | 08/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I need to catch my breath. Wow! It's been a while since I was truly blown away by an album. But this one managed to do just that. Jazzinho... or "sweet little jazz" as the album subtitles, is a breathtaking journey through nu-brazil and nu-jazz. The main reason I picked this up was after hearing a sweet remix of "Constelação". Then, after realising that Christian Franck (of Batu, Smoke City, Da Lata) was heavily involved in this project along with criminally underrated Guida De Palma, it was a no brainer.



First, the songs. Amazing. Guida De Palma's voice is an absolute dream. Hailing from Portugal, her background in jazz, Brazilian music and live singing comes to the forefront in her work on the cuts. Meanwhile her voice is accompanied by tight, stellar musicianship which never goes beyond its range. In fact, the musicianship is what carries this album. The act teases you with loops and hooks you in each track. From the first song, "Yambou", you know you're going on a special musical journey. IMO not the best vocal arrangement for Guida but stil very strong. It's a song that'll make you visualize arriving in Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. Odd, but it sort of reminds me of Sergio Mendes' work in the mid/early 90's, but vastly updated and polished (already good tunes made better). Followed up is a funky track written with Christian Franck titled "Sim ou Nao" that inserts a bit of attitude. "Moody Maria" is a sexy slow cut, as is "Velejou". "Telefone" is a cute remake of the Roberto Menescoal classic and Camponesa has obvious middle Eastern and African influences and is also very strong. But my favorite cuts - 1 is "Vertigo", the only song with all English lyrics, which highlights just how special Guida's voice is in any jazz setting. So rich yet soft! And then there's the original "Constelação". From the moment she sings "Olha para o ceu, irmão"... I melt.



Without question, this is a must have. I've been listening to this since I got it. But a bit of advice - if you can, pick up the remix project. It costs more but is well worth it as it has the remix of "Constelação" and a few extra stellar remixes. I believe it's a Korean import, not Japanese. Also, if you dig this, you'll want to catch a group out of Spain called "Wagon Cookin'". They're not offered on Amazon, but they're cd titled "Appetizers" is very good, albeit a bit funkier. You can hear a sort of 70's Brazilian vibe in "Lua" taken off of Glucklich vol 5. Not funky, just very smooth. Also, BY ALL MEANS check out the compilation "Brazilution 5.2", which features the "Constelação" remix along with a few other songs that mesh very well with it: Nature's Plan feat Azymuth's cut "Somewhere Beyond", Tricatel Inc's "Alegria" and Concorde à L'Orange's "Drifting". Finally, check out Da Lata's "Songs from the Tin", although it's not as polished as this group. Enjoy!"