Falling loosely under the rubric of the '90s lounge/exotica craze--specifically the revival of interest in bossa nova, samba, and Brazilian-inflected jazz-funk styles--this CD culls a consistently interesting set of tracks... more » from a widespread network of musicians and record labels. Although some of the artists actually hail from Brazil, others are spreading the good word from France, Italy, and even Norway. Portugal's Nortesul Records starts the collection with a delicately beautiful song from singer Teresa, and the perfect balance of solid groove and chanteuse vocals hits a peak with the Tom y Joyce track "Vai Minha Tristeza", one of several tracks from performers associated with France's Yellow Productions. Italy's Nicola Conte's "Bossa per Due" combines organ, guitar, and wordless singing with a little sitar and synthesizer, swooping into a breezy four minutes. Also from Italy, representing the Irma Records stable, the Cordara Orchestra presents the CD's title track, a gently melancholy instrumental that has early '70s sit-com written all over it--you can just see Jack Klugman or Mary Tyler Moore having a pensive walk in the park after some minor and not irreversible emotional defeat. Overall, the mix of rhythmic complexity, emotional cool, and a slightly kitschy sensibility will satisfy aficionados and may pleasantly surprise newcomers. --Bob Bannister« less
Falling loosely under the rubric of the '90s lounge/exotica craze--specifically the revival of interest in bossa nova, samba, and Brazilian-inflected jazz-funk styles--this CD culls a consistently interesting set of tracks from a widespread network of musicians and record labels. Although some of the artists actually hail from Brazil, others are spreading the good word from France, Italy, and even Norway. Portugal's Nortesul Records starts the collection with a delicately beautiful song from singer Teresa, and the perfect balance of solid groove and chanteuse vocals hits a peak with the Tom y Joyce track "Vai Minha Tristeza", one of several tracks from performers associated with France's Yellow Productions. Italy's Nicola Conte's "Bossa per Due" combines organ, guitar, and wordless singing with a little sitar and synthesizer, swooping into a breezy four minutes. Also from Italy, representing the Irma Records stable, the Cordara Orchestra presents the CD's title track, a gently melancholy instrumental that has early '70s sit-com written all over it--you can just see Jack Klugman or Mary Tyler Moore having a pensive walk in the park after some minor and not irreversible emotional defeat. Overall, the mix of rhythmic complexity, emotional cool, and a slightly kitschy sensibility will satisfy aficionados and may pleasantly surprise newcomers. --Bob Bannister
"Wow - looking back, this is a terrific album. The artists involved at the time, some were just starting to grow in popularity but this album is exceptional. I bought this well over a year ago, and from there have spidered out and picked up cd's by Mo Horizon's (Germany), Reminiscence Quartet (France), Boyz From Brazil and Nicola Conte. I highly recommend this. You won't be disappointed - and it's one of those albums that you can put in and just play and relax. It starts out slow and smooth with a jazzy Portuguese track, then moves on to get a bit upbeat, then dark loungish with Foto Viva before the nightlife begins with Onde Anda O Meu Amor. The CD starts to "Wind Down" with a smooth remix of Vai Minha Tristeza and ends out with the classic "Jet Society" by Cordoba Orchestra. It's a nice adventure and a terrific release. I wish ESL would make another like this."
Nice laid back party music
bordersj2 | 10/12/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"When this is playing in the backround, people don't really stop what theyre doing to listen to it, but it does bring everyone's spirits up. It's a very jazzy funky collection of 50s-70s sounding lounge music from the very modern, to the cheesy burt bacharach-ish last track. Most of it is very enjoyable, but a few just make me laugh and hit the 'next' button, such as Stereo Action Unlimited's 'Hi Fi trumpet'. Overall a very nice cd and a collection of songs and styles I have yet to find anywhere else."
Que bella!
Jack Dempsey | South Miami Beach, Florida | 05/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first noticed that this was purchased by "individualswho also purchased [a title] by..." Britney Spears. That ismind-blowing. Kudos, Amazon.com, for bridging a musical gap that I never would have thought, or dreamed, of. To get to it, this cd is pure bliss. As a general rule of thumb, you can't go wrong with anything on the ESL label. This disc further proves that point. Listening to this disc, you get the feeling of being high atop a metro-penthouse suite, while a dozen or so go-go girls in angora sway to the rythms of Mancini, or certainly Jobin, a la Catwoman (Eartha Kitt) or Astrud Gilberto. "C'est si bon!" as the saying goes. I first purchased this disc while travelling from (a layover in) New Orleans to Seaside, Florida. Once in my suite, I slipped this into the Bang & Olfsen. As I then climbed into the Jacuzzi, listening to these wonderful tunes, along with the bubbles and the gently swaying surf of the Gulf of Mexico, I was in pure heaven. After a few moments, it was then, as I climbed out of the Jacuzzi and into a terry-cloth robe, I realized how perfect a martini would be at that moment. Several shakes later, heaven once more. Thank you ESL/Theivery Corp. Get the general feeling? That is this disc. You will not be disappointed. Look for the "JET SET" cd on ESL as well. It too....magnificent. Hope this somewhat helped."
A tour of contemporary, electronic jazz.
bordersj2 | 09/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"An electronic lounge must. This is the kind of CD that makes you want to break out the libations, turn on the mood lighting, and invite your friends over for a wing-ding. Take out that cocktail shaker and turn up the volume; within moments of hitting play your guests will be nodding their heads and snapping their fingers as they are engulfed in the indulgent beats of these mood altering tracks."