Great "Debut" Album!
bordersj2 | Boston | 05/22/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Thomas Naim and Joyce Hoze are cousins and at the forefront of this small group. Joyce, named after THE legendary Brazilian diva (and probably my favorite diva) "Joyce" is on vocals while Thomas Naim features with the guitar. Chances are if you're into the nu-bossa sound circa 2000 on, you heard them on Bossa Tres... Jazz cds (or Bossa Mundo), thanks to their hit "Vai Minha Tristeza" and loads of play and accolades by French radio.I have enjoyed this cd. There are real, actual instruments being used and its not particularly electronic. The CD starts out with a cool version of "Para Bailer" which shows how strong Joyce Hoze's voice can be. It's a terrific intro to the album. Next up is a bossa nova sounding cut "Partir" which is nice but admittedly a little cheesy IMO - but I still enjoy it. Then you have the hit also found on Brazilectro 4 "Queixume". This is the original version, which isn't as electrically lifted as the Brazilectro remix - I honestly like the remix better. But it's still very similar to the Brazilectro version. Other stand-out tracks to me were this make of "Vai Minha Tristeza" which was given a great face-lift. Please note - it's NOT the same as any of the ones on Bossa Tres...Jazz or Glucklich III. "Bonito" had great attitude in it. Some of the slower cuts weren't really for me, but "Relaxin'", which just had Thomas on guitar with some accompaniment was admittedly very soothing. I definitely recommend this. "Partir" is the American release of the actual release overseas which is titled: "Tom & Joyze" (I'm looking at the cover now). It's not an electric Brazil cd, and this band is actually from France as Tom and Joyce are cousins, and Yellow Music (Bossa Tres... Jazz) is French. So for the purist this may not be for you. Joyce's Portuguese is also self-taught from a love of music, and from her father's love of Brazilian music. Great for the collection, and nice on a lazy summer Sunday. Thomas' guitar playing is fantastic and warm and Joyce's voice is very nice."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1