Though he uses the luscious framework of traditional bossa nova--steamy rhythms, bittersweet melodies, and soft singing--Brazilian star Vinicius Cantuaria is more subversive than slavish. As on his previous stateside relea... more »ses, 49-year-old Cantuaria draws upon the modern language of sampling, sound effects, and the mood of dark soundtracks to imbue his forlorn, deeply blue acoustic bossa with an otherworldly quality. A former drummer with Caetano Veloso, Cantuaria seems to enjoy slow-motion fission. His songs float and drift, suspended in space by the slightest effort of his liquid voice and gentle acoustic guitar strumming. Electric guitarists Marc Ribot and Bill Frisell add resonant shades of red and hot pink to the simmering mix, as in the beautiful, hazy version of Jobim's "Ela e Carioca." Also onboard are bassist Marc Johnson, drummers Paulo Braga and Joey Baron, pianist Brad Mehldau, and vocalist Veloso. "Agua Rasa" is one of the album's many glimmering moments, a soft, undulating melody underlying a tale that sounds utterly familiar and intimate, even if it's in Portuguese. "Ordinaria" uses a street samba groove and the sound of clinking bottles, muted trumpet, and low bass for a kind of desolate, sun-scorched Brazilian epic poem. Cantuaria's guitar unfurls poignantly here as a trumpet cries over rolling brush strokes. It's romantic, yet somehow tragic. "Rio," with David Byrne, is street-smart and sassy, rumbling with frame drum and eerie samples. "Nova de Sete" recalls Jobim, a lovely, fragile song supported by a lonely, lost vocal and Bill Frisell's haunting guitar tones. --Ken Micallef« less
Though he uses the luscious framework of traditional bossa nova--steamy rhythms, bittersweet melodies, and soft singing--Brazilian star Vinicius Cantuaria is more subversive than slavish. As on his previous stateside releases, 49-year-old Cantuaria draws upon the modern language of sampling, sound effects, and the mood of dark soundtracks to imbue his forlorn, deeply blue acoustic bossa with an otherworldly quality. A former drummer with Caetano Veloso, Cantuaria seems to enjoy slow-motion fission. His songs float and drift, suspended in space by the slightest effort of his liquid voice and gentle acoustic guitar strumming. Electric guitarists Marc Ribot and Bill Frisell add resonant shades of red and hot pink to the simmering mix, as in the beautiful, hazy version of Jobim's "Ela e Carioca." Also onboard are bassist Marc Johnson, drummers Paulo Braga and Joey Baron, pianist Brad Mehldau, and vocalist Veloso. "Agua Rasa" is one of the album's many glimmering moments, a soft, undulating melody underlying a tale that sounds utterly familiar and intimate, even if it's in Portuguese. "Ordinaria" uses a street samba groove and the sound of clinking bottles, muted trumpet, and low bass for a kind of desolate, sun-scorched Brazilian epic poem. Cantuaria's guitar unfurls poignantly here as a trumpet cries over rolling brush strokes. It's romantic, yet somehow tragic. "Rio," with David Byrne, is street-smart and sassy, rumbling with frame drum and eerie samples. "Nova de Sete" recalls Jobim, a lovely, fragile song supported by a lonely, lost vocal and Bill Frisell's haunting guitar tones. --Ken Micallef
CD Reviews
Bossa evolution
E. Burns | Warwick, RI USA | 08/04/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This music is worth many listenings. Cantuaria's version of "Ela e Carioca" is delicious. He sings in a beautiful, deceptively tranquil voice while the music swirls and shifts around him. His songs sound like classic boss nova in that they often use the same rhythm and subtle, chromatic melodies, but he constantly experiments with instrumentation and newer rhythms. The result is a new branch on the bossa nova tree that sounds as natural and right as the earlier ones. Get all of his CDs and enjoy them, he's the best."
Smooth, sophisticated samba (and bossa nova too)
E. Burns | 05/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A criminally-overlooked talent, this album is a near perfect synthesis of Vinicius' two previous albums. The ethereal, subtle sounds from his US debut "Sol Na Cara" are matched with the more "downtown" avant-jazz elements from his last album "Tucuma". Don't let the heavyweight guests fool you - this beautiful record is a product of the strong creative vision of Vinicius himself. Make sure you see him in concert when he comes to your town!"
Beautiful Bossa
H. Rossing | Amsterdam Netherlands | 04/20/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"All of you who think bossa nova is a dead musical form now only used for campy means,you should hear Vinicius Cantuaria. Like his predecessors Tom Jobim and Joao Gilberto his music has such a subtle swing a blink of the eye is enough to keep time with the beat.Like Caetano Veloso ( with whom he duets on Agua rasa)he sings his songs with such a quiet conviction that even if you don't understand Portuguese (all lyrics save one have been translated in the booklet)he could sing Rio's telephonebook. It's that beautiful. Now if all of the above sounds like sleepingpill, forget it, there are so many gorgeous melodies, intricate little chord changes and warm guitar work it'll keep you listening for years to come. So this summer when it gets too hot to even snap your fingers you know what to do. For those like me living in a cold climate turn up the central heating for maximum effect"
A fantastic CD
H. Rossing | 07/12/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I listened to Brasil 2Mil, and from that compilation, I found many different Brazilian musicians that I had not even heard of. All of the purchases have been great - from Suba to Bebel Gilberto to Zuco 103 to Andrea Marquee even. Vinicius Cantuaria is another successful artists that I first heard on that compilation. His melodies and music is spectacular and smooth - and is perfect for a romantic evening or a quiet walk or drive on the beach, if you are lucky enough to live on the coast. My favorite tracks on the disk are the third, fourth and eigth along with the more festive final track, Caju. I recommend this disk. You will not be disappointed if you are looking for something a bit slow, quiet, subtle and relaxing with terrific musicians and voices."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1