One of Nana Caymmi's best works
David Kaminsky | Edmonton, Alberta Canada | 05/31/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A rich, adult, very satisying CD by one of Brasil's great voices, Nana Caymmi. This 15-song CD (CDs in Brasil generally have more tracks than North American CDs, not sure why) includes music to accompany you as you fall in love, spend a rainy evening making love, and for working through a heartbreak. The first song, the title track by Cristóvão Bastos and Aldir Blanc, sets the tone for the CD, with a gentle, mellow groove, a sound best demonstrated in "Meu sonho," "Longe dos olhos," and her musical postcard from the cidade maravilhosa, "Saudade do Rio." "Até o Redentor," the second track, exemplifies the blend of Bahian and carioca influences in Nana's sound, and adds a gorgeous piano accompaniment. "Não se esqueça de mim," one of the most beautiful melodies Ms. Caymmi's voice has ever graced, is a wistful duet with Erasmo Carlos, and it sounds like two voices of experience and wisdom magically joined in melody. "Meu sonho" describes a beautiful dreamlike vision of a Brasilian landscape. This is definately music for dreamers. "Cantiga," with a gentle bossa nova beat and tinkling piano, reminds me of the type of music you'd hear at lounges in trendy neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro, and sounds jazzy and urbane. "Chega de tarde" is a torchy, saxophone-flavoured piece, and is followed by "Bolero de neblina," which is powered by a syncopated percussion. "Doralinda" is another duet, this time with Emilio Santiago, and I find Nana's voice is mixed way down and almost lost in the production. The duet is a bit clumsy, and the two don't really take advantage of the harmonic possibilities. The eleventh track, "A cara do espelho," is accompanied by some wonderful guitar strumming. Most of us are familiar with João Gilberto's unforgettable version of the Ary Barroso classic "Pra machucar meu coração," and Nana wisely avoids trying to duplicate that version. Her cover is a bit more up-tempo and the vocal is less sorrowful than in Mr. Gilberto's version, and it suits her perfectly. "Até pensei" is the third duet on the CD, this time with old friend Chico Buarque. The song is all swelling violins and mandolins, and it's great music with which to fall in love. Nana's version of the classic "Fascinação," the 1950s American hit "Fascination," sounds alternatively grand and elegant, and yet somehow sad and intimate. The last track, "Minha nossa senhora," closes the CD quietly and gently. This album is both classic and contemporary, music for thinkers, lovers, or for those who think and love too much."
Fantastic voice; great record
David Kaminsky | 05/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Nana is fantastic ! Her voice seems to be better then ever. Great songs, excelent cd."
