Just Beautiful!
Marcelo F. Tavora | Brazil | 01/28/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a truly refreshing Brazilian jazzy style.
João Gilberto got Ithamara with a fabulous tone and tuning and Juarez Moreira with a sharp techniques over a acoustic guitar - finger style as Bossa Nova deserve and got a stunning swing approach.
The hit track" Bim Bom" is just impressive but I have to say that Hô-Bá-Lá-Lá (English Version) got my attention even further. May be the English language got more expression than Portuguese or may be the inspiration and momentum.
Great to hear, great to feel!
"
Sublime
Rick Cornell | Reno, Nv USA | 04/04/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Year in and year out, the "Down Beat" critics rate Ithamara Koorax one of the finest jazz singers in their polls. Yet, her recordings are difficult to find (at a reasonable price, that is).
However, the Jazz Therapy project got ahold of her, and thus, American ears can now hear her at a reasonable price.
This c.d. is worth any price. It is sublime, utterly sublime.
This is a collection of Joao Gilberto tunes, most unfamiliar to my untrained ears (except for "Voce Esteve Com Meu Bem?", which I adored on Caetano Veloso's "Fina Estampa.") (Recall that "Getz/Gilberto" was by and large Jobim tunes) Without exception, they are heavenly. It is almost pointless to single one song out, because they are all performed so brilliantly. I particularly loved "Minha Saudade," "Glass Beads," "Joao Marcelo" and "Acapulco." But "Ho-Ba-La-La" is utterly charming - both Portuguese and English versions - as is "Bim Bom." One listen through, and your alpha waves will be in order.
I understand why Ms. Koorax is rated so highly. She has one of the most expressive voices in all of popular music. And here, she and the wonderful Juarez Moriera are perfectly in balance throughout.
I don't care what nationality you are, what ethnicity you are, or what your tastes in music are. If you have music in your soul, buy this c.d. (or mp3's). Now. That's an order. RC"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1