Search - Matt Bianco :: Best of

The Stan Getz of the 1980's

D. Kolton | The Great Northwest | 01/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First off, there is NO Matt Bianco, just like there is no Led Zepplin (sorry if I just burst your bubble there). Moving on..



Matt Bianco did/does for the brazilian pop/bossa sound what Stan Getz did with it in the 1960's -- re-intoroduce the catchy syncopations of the Brazilian beat and updated snappy horns to a new generation of listeners. With the backing of Basia's vocals, how could they have not been a hit? Almost like a deja vu of Astrud Gilberto (whom Basia would later sing a song about when she went solo) meets the present. The first time I heard "Half a Minute" I rushed out to buy the CD -- it was just that cool.



This collection covers pretty much all the best they did in their early years (before Basia split to do her own thing). The music is light and fun, and some of it might even be almost timeless -- certainly those who have never heard it would not think it was dating back to the 80's!



This band had that same breath of fresh "pop" (and Brazilian) air as did Swing Out Sister, or the instrumental band of Spyrogyra. Certainly if you like those, and you liked Basia's solo stuff, you will not be disappointed with this collection!"

Matt's Mood

T-bone Malone | Vienna, Austria | 07/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's too bad this band has never really caught on in the States. They, along with Swing Out Sister, helped introduce a fresh new sound to the music world. They also brought us the lovely Basia. Luckily, while living in London, I was able to pick up this greatest hits collection. The album is a wonderful of blend musical influences. Pick it up if you have the chance."

The Album is Very Very Very Good

T-bone Malone | 10/21/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got the album, just thinking that I knew only one or two tracks, but I knew most of them. I haven't stopped playing it in over a forthnight. It's fantastic."