Neal W. Kuzee | South Gate, California United States | 12/07/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This classic Bossa Nova album has finally been produced on CD. The great late Laurindo Almeida plays acoustic and electric guitar on this collection of bossa tunes. Best cuts are "Um Abraco No Bonfa" and "Manha De Carnaval." Also "Choro For People In Love" is a pretty slow tune. This is a must-have for all bossa lovers."
It's Irene Kral for sure!
James F. Blose Jr. | 06/16/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"There is no doubt that Laurindo's guest vocalist on the two tracks "Winter Moon" and "Old Guitaron" is the late, great Irene Kral. If this album is your only exposure to the beauty of her voice, then you're missing one of the greatest female vocalists in 20th century jazz. To hear Irene at her best, check out the best albums released under her own name such as "The Band And I" and "Kral Space." They are both available on CD and both are terrific. Clint Eastwood had the fine taste to honor Irene by including two cuts from yet another great album called "Better Than Anything" on his sountrack to "The Bridges of Madison County." Now if only someone would have the wisdom to remaster and release a CD of the album "Steveireno!" that she recorded on United Artists with the late Steve Allen in 1959......"
The Vocalist
Timothy T. Taylor | Portland, Oregon United States | 08/07/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Just adding to the others, the unknown silky smoothed voice female vocalist I believe is Irene Kral"
Guitar From Ipanema
Timothy T. Taylor | 05/11/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is an almost forgotten classic of unpretentious soft evening Brazilian mood music. Almeida near his best. A nice mix of instrumental tracks with a couple of songs song sung by an unknown (to me) silky smooth female vocalist that puts you in the heart of Rio on a warm summer night. The vocal songs evoke a classic small cabaret atmosphere and the guitar tracks are inspired versions of classic Brazilian songs. I've put this album on back when I got the old "record" from my brother-in-law and was always asked what album was playing and where did I get it. Nice way to unwind after a long day at work or a hard rock concert. Visualize a Rio penthouse overlooking the beach at night with a glass of champagne in your hand and you got it."