Search - :: Tom & Joyce

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bordersj2 | Boston | 10/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I heard that Tom & Joyce had finally released an album, I had to get it. Just like with Reminiscence Quartet, S-Tone Inc. and Los Ladrones, they were a group that I was dying to add to my collection. Needless to say, it came out first in Europe and that was my chance - and it was well worth the wait.How to describe their style? They touch on all sorts of avenues - from acoustic to festive - but mostly acoustic. They are French, but Joyce speaks fluent Portuguese. They aren't quite the jazzy feel of a Reminiscence Quartet, and if you expect all of their tracks to be like Vai Minha Tristeza, I admit you will probably be slightly disappointed. What is in this disc is a nice blend of rifts, relaxing melodies, up-beat music and tracks with a latin twang... in a French sort of way. The CD starts out with "Para Bailar", as heard on Nueva Bossa Nova compilation, then goes into an admittedly "cheesy" bossa nova sould in "Partir" before going into the upbeat regular edit of "Queixume". Then comes "Domingo", a downtempo acoustic track highlighting Joyce's voice. Then you kick up again into "Sem Voce" before the CD winds down again into"Un Regard, Un Sourire". Next is my favorite track "Bonito"... The remainder of the album is stellar: "Relaxin", "Vai Minha Tristeza", "Uma Lagrima", and finally, it ends out with "Paradiso". The Tom & Joyce CD that I have does not have the two bonus tracks - I don't believe. But rest assured I'd love to hera them. I love this album, and the instrumentation is fantastic. Definitely pick this up if you're into Smoke City... and if you like this CD and don't have Smoke City, you'll probably want to purchase them as well. Christian Franck from Smoke City actually contributed to this album. Perfect memory of the summer. Enjoy!!"

This album is fantastic

silhouette_of_enchantment | USA | 02/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Years ago when I added this album to my Latin music collection based on another reviewer's recommendation, I scared to listen to it for several reasons. I am a huge fan of Brazilian music. I know that many are looking for electronic reinterpretations of the old Brazilian classics, as am I. Most international groups that interpret/reinterpret Brazilian music leave a lot to be desired, in my opinion. Some musicians correctly mimic Brazilian beats and rhythms, but they strain out the emotional depth and beauty of the music. As a result, the music loses its passion and authenticity.



French duo Tom and Joyce succeed where those groups fail, because their performances were on-key. Joyce's singing is charming, joyful, beautiful, and best of all she radiates authenticity. As a Brazilian chanteuse, she is convincing whether she performs songs in French or in Portuguese language. The songs were poignant and fast-paced sambas. And to me, the electronic arrangements were tight, stunning, and near perfect. One of the few bossa novas on the album was "Un Regard, un sourire" (a look, a smile.) My favorites on the album were "Para Bailar," "Vai Minha Tristeza," and "Bonito." The remixes on the album were equally well-done. "Tom and Joy" is a great album that continues to play on my turntable even now. Well-done."