Search - Gabriela Anders :: Last Tango in Rio

Less smooth jazz, more tango ... works for me!

J. Lund | SoCal, USA | 03/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Gabriela boldly steps away from the more smoooth-jazz style that marked her 1998 WANTING CD. While the earlier album is unlikely to appeal to those who are looking for more progressive sounds (e.g., contemporary Brazilian, acid/jazz groove, etc.). LAST TANGO IN RIO gives Anders' softly emotive voice a more intriguing context. One could argue whether or not she was previously miscast as a smooth jazz singer, but in my opinion if she wants to distinguish herself as an artist, it is going to be via a musical approach such as what is heard here. The presence of such instruments as the bandoneon may win over fans of the likes of contemporary tango group GOTAN PROJECT, while the mixture of acoustic and electric instrumentation -- even with subtle electronica effects at times -- bridges the past with the present effectively. Throughout, RIO has a considerably more homegrown feel than the studio-polished WANTING.



In reading previous reviews I noticed one reviewer who first heard of this album in the L.A. TIMES as I did, but was not happy with the results. While I'm a satisfied customer, this disc may not be for those who are looking for a more traditional jazz vocal approach. Granted, there is a perhaps-confusing "FILE UNDER: JAZZ" reminder on the back cover. Yet Anders' style is much more in line with the current generation of Brazilian singers (Bebel Gilberto, etc.) than with most so-called jazz singers. RIO is nothing like Diana Krall's albums of pop standards, for one. While Anders does interpret a number of pop classics that jazz vocalists have frequently turned to ("Love Is Here To Stay," "Body And Soul"), they are reconfigured to fit Anders' style. The difference is particularly striking on "God Bless The Child," which in my opinion is one of the album's highlights but may be too big of a change for some. To each their own, and in my case RIO is much more in line with what I want to hear than the other Anders album I mentioned."

Unique Treat

Allan Suchinsky | Kensington, MD United States | 12/30/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The guy who tossed this CD gave himself away when he mentioned that this is not what he expects from a jazz artist. Yes, Ms. Anders does interpret things very differently. But who says uniqueness is the precursor of mediocrity? If inventors didn't invent, we'd still be in the stone age. Tell Louis Armstrong that because he was different, he should have just packed it in.



Gabriella's unique approach to a song is tasteful, enveloping, and, yes, at times challenging. But the right kind of "different" she definitely is, from this reviewers perspective."

Bella Gabriela

Branson Rite | Atlanta Ga | 10/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
Bravo to Gabrieala

I LOVE this artist. After hearing that her Warner Bros release had been cancelled (I'm still waiting for it to come out somewhere) I've been hoping to see something from her these past years.

I was not disappointed. Rich in music and cool vibes this release is original and deep. Showing the emotion of Gabriela's vocal and a production that is intelligent and thoughtful.

I have another of her cd's called Latina that a friend gave me as well that Is cool.

The market today is full of cookie cutter artists

Gabrieala is wonderful original temptress."