Deluxe reissue of one of the greatest bossa nova records
Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 02/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A stunning collaboration between Brazilian jazz diva Elis Regina and legendary bossa nova composer Antonio Carlos Jobim; without question one of the finest, most super-swanky MPB albums ever recorded. Features the definitive version of Jobim's "Aguas de Marco," and some of the nicest, most tasteful music of his -- or her -- career. One of those sublime, perfect, magical albums that has a life of its own. This deluxe, 2-disc, 30th anniversary edition reissue features two new bonus tracks (an alternate version of "Fotografia" and an outtake of "Bonita"). The bonus tracks are contained on the second disc, which is an audio DVD that also contains all the songs on the original album, each with a title card that includes information about the recording sessions and optional subtitles with the lyrics (in Portuguese only). The DVD doesn't include video of the sessions -- (alas!) -- but it does have beautiful sound quality, as does the regular audio CD that comes with it. Both versions also include some fo the studio chatter taped before the songs... countoffs, last-minute changes, etc. -- a great reminder of how talented these folks were, back in the days when records were really recorded live. This is a classy edition of a beautiful album. Highly recommended."
One of the best bossa nova albums ever produced
JP Nightingale | 04/15/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Elis Regina and Tom Jobim's legendary 1974 collaberation is a match made in heaven. Elis was not only one of the greatest - and criminally overlooked - vocalists there has ever been, but also one of the most sensitive interpreters of Jobim's music, which in less talented hands can just sound cheesy.
Her timing was impeccable and her ability to express strong emotions beyond words - you don't need to speak Portuguese to get this - were and still are second to none. Listen to her heartfelt renditions of Inutil Paisagem and Corcovado. A general favourite is the opening playful duet between Elis and Tom on Aguas de Marco, but this only scratches the surface of Elis's supreme talent.
If you enjoy Jobim's compositions and you do not already have this classic album in your collection, do not hesitate. This is one of the all time greats."
If you like Dusty in Memphis...
RRRyan | West Hollywood, CA United States | 03/07/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of those recordings you may know by reputation but never got around to hearing. I know it's a cliche, but when you do get around to it you won't be able to imagine not having it. It really is right up there with Dusty in Memphis and Roxy Music's Avalon. The instrumentation, arrangements and performances are superb and the sound quality is astonishing. Originally recorded at MGM studios in 1974, this provides the best of all possible worlds. Analog recording was reaching its peak of sophistication, so every nuance was captured on the tape. The digital transfer is at 96k, with a fairly agressive surround mix. It truly is like being in the studio. Stunning, to use an overused word. Enjoy."
