Brian Bromberg - In the Spirit of Jobim

Styles: Jazz/Bossa
Year: 2007
Time: 64:15
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 147,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:50) 1. One Note Samba
(4:53) 2. Wave
(5:45) 3. Coastline Drive
(5:23) 4. Little Tune
(7:08) 5. Triste/Desafinado
(5:56) 6. Corcovado
(7:30) 7. Once I Loved
(6:12) 8. Isn't It Beautiful
(5:33) 9. Ray of Sunshine
(7:08) 10. Talia (for my niece)
(6:41) 11. Ellen (for Ellen Cohn)
(5:21) 12. The Girl From Ipanema

When an intensely creative and prolific artist such as Brian Bromberg decides to devote two full releases to the music of (or inspired by) another creative, you can imagine the respect is deep and the results bound to be at least interesting if not amazing. Bassist virtuoso, producer/composer Bromberg has embraced the repertoire of two icons, Jimi Hendrix and Antonio Carlos Jobim. The interpretations are heartfelt. Inspired and immense in musicality.By Editorial Reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Jobim-Brian-Bromberg/dp/B00861J3EE

Personnel: Bass [Nylon String Piccolo Bass], Bass [Upright] – Brian Bromberg

Featuring: Airto, Alex Acuña, Corey Allen, Gary Meek, Joel Taylor, Mike Shapiro (2), Mitch Forman, Oscar Castro-Neves, Otmaro Ruiz, Ramon Stagnaro, The Rising Sun Orchestra String Section

In the Spirit of Jobim

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Eliane Elias - I Thought About You: A Tribute To Chet Baker

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2013
Time: 54:49
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 125,9 MB
Art: Front

(4:56) 1. I Thought About You
(4:42) 2. There Will Never Be Another You
(3:53) 3. This Can't Be Love
(5:04) 4. Embraceable You
(3:52) 5. That Old Feeling
(3:38) 6. Everything Depends On You
(3:54) 7. I've Never Been In Love Before
(4:18) 8. Let's Get Lost
(5:13) 9. You Don't What Love Is
(2:11) 10. Blue Room
(3:30) 11. Just Friends
(3:50) 12. Girl Talk
(2:37) 13. Just In Time
(3:05) 14. I Get Along Without You Very Well

On Eliane Eliass second Concord release, the sultry Brazilian pianist-vocalist-arranger wraps her jazz and bossa nova style around classic tunes associated with iconic jazz trumpeter Chet Baker: "I Thought About You," "You Don't Know What Love Is," "Let's Get Lost," "That Old Feeling," and "I Get Along Without You Very Well."

Elias is supported by top flight Brazilian and American musicians, including her rhythm section of guitarist Steve Cardenas, drummers Rafael Barata and Victor Lewis, percussionist Marivaldo dos Santos and her husband, bassist Marc Johnson. Featuring special guests Randy Brecker on trumpet and Brazilian guitarist Oscar Castro-Neve's, considered a founding figure in bossa nova.By Editorial Reviews https://www.amazon.com/Thought-About-Tribute-Chet-Baker/dp/B00BXUG0KU

Personnel: Eliane Elias – piano, vocals; Randy Brecker – trumpet, flugelhorn; Steve Cardenas – electric guitar; Oscar Castro-Neves – acoustic guitar; Marc Johnson – double bass; Rafael Barata – drums; Victor Lewis – drums; Marivaldo Dos Santos – percussion

I Thought About You: A Tribute To Chet Baker

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Eliane Elias - Light My Fire

Styles: Brazilian Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 54:35
Size: 125,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:18)  1. Rosa Morena
(4:03)  2. Stay Cool
(5:19)  3. Aquele Abraço
(5:38)  4. Light My Fire
(4:00)  5. Isto Aqui O Que é
(4:31)  6. My Cherie Amour
(4:24)  7. Toda Menina Baiana
(3:28)  8. Bananeira
(5:12)  9. Made In Moonlight
(3:39) 10. Turn To Me (Samba Maracatu)
(5:13) 11. Take Five
(4:46) 12. What About The Heart (Bate Bate)

In a career that spans around 30 years and over 20 albums, singer and pianist Eliane Elias has come to epitomize a cool, sophisticated jazz sensibility, especially on the bossa nova songs of her native Brazil. On Light My Fire, she set out to extend the range of styles and grooves in her music and, in so doing, mixes Brazilian music with a couple of jazz standards and one or two famous pop and rock songs. 

The Brazilian songs, which comprise the majority of the album, are splendidly cool and generate a real sense of positivity and optimism. Gilberto Gil's "Aquele Abraço" and "Toda Menina Baiana" are especially effective; Gil and Elias forming a beautiful vocal partnership on both, while Elias' daughter, Amanda Brecker, adds backing vocals to "Toda Menina Baiana." Elias' own "What About The Heart (Bate Bate)" is romantic and upbeat, the pianist's sparkling solo carrying the tune through to the fadeout. Two jazz classics also get a makeover. Kenny Dorham's "Stay Cool," with Elias' own lyrics, also works beautifully; it's a slinky, seductive rendition, with Lawrence Feldman's flute adding to the sense of laidback, casual sensuality. Elias' rework of Paul Desmond's iconic "Take Five" is an atmospherically relaxed contrast to the original another success, despite a rather repetitive section replacing Joe Morello's famed drum solo and features the pianist's vocalese and Randy Brecker's muted, sparse, trumpet.

The Doors' classic "Light My Fire" also gets the slinky, laidback treatment, but works less well. Jim Morrison's original vocal was a yell of desperation, as if the act of "lighting his fire" was the most vital thing in the world; here, Elias sounds far less concerned. This apparent lack of connection is also present on two versions of Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie Amour," one sung in English, the other in French. The musicianship on Light My Fire is superb, with every player slipping effortlessly into the required groove. Even if a couple of numbers don't quite come off, it's still good to see established artists taking a few chances, and there's still plenty of music that does exactly what it should.~Bruce Lindsay(http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=40237#.UhaimX-Ac1I).

Personnel: Eliane Elias: vocals, piano; Gilberto Gil: vocals, guitar; Randy Brecker: trumpet; Oscar Castro-Neves: guitar; Romero Lubambo: guitar; Ross Traut: guitar; Lawrence Feldman: flute; Marc Johnson: bass; Marivalso dos Santos: percussion; Paulo Braga: drums; Rafael Barata: drums; Amanda Brecker: vocals (7).

Light My Fire

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Toots Thielemans - Brasil Project Vol. 2

Styles: Harmonica Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:37
Size: 143,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:30)  1. Ce
(3:36)  2. Choro Bandido
(3:19)  3. Retrato em Branco e Preto
(3:34)  4. Obsession
(3:08)  5. Travessia
(4:25)  6. Flora
(5:17)  7. Unconditional Love
(2:59)  8. Papel Maché
(3:36)  9. O Futebol
(3:48) 10. Linda
(3:22) 11. Samba de Uma Nota Só
(5:21) 12. Oceano
(3:36) 13. Samba de Orfeu

Guitarist, harmonica player, and whistler Toots Thielemans' followup to the critically acclaimed Brasil Project doesn't stray far from its predecessor's path. There are 13 nice Afro-Latin selections with Thielemans backing such top Brazilian vocalists as Milton Nascimento, Gilberto Gil, Ivan Lins, Caetano Veloso, and Dori Caymmi, among others, and guitarists Oscar Castro-Nieves and Lee Ritenour assisting Thielemans with delicate shadings and accompaniment.By Ron Wynn
http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-brasil-project-vol-2-mw0000098552

Personnel includes: Toots Thielemans (harmonica); Edu Lobo, Milton Nascimento (vocals); John Clark (French horn, hornette); Eliane Elias (piano);  Mike Lang, Dave Grusin (keyboards); Ivan Lins (keyboards, vocals); Joao Bosco, Djavan, Dori Caymmi (guitar, vocals); Lee Ritenour, Oscar Castro-Neves, Luis Bonfa (guitar); Eugene Friesen (cello); Brian Bromberg, Marc Johnson, Jamil Joanes (bass); Steve Schaeffer, Teo Lima (drums); Cassio Duarte, Bira Hawal, Paulinho Da Costa (percussion).

Brasil Project Vol. 2

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Oscar Castro-Neves - Oscar!

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:11
Size: 92.0 MB
Styles: Latin jazz
Year: 1987
Art: Front

[3:28] 1. Rancho Do Carioca
[3:44] 2. Rio Dawning
[4:07] 3. Song For Joyce
[2:48] 4. Summer Winds
[3:17] 5. Air On A 6 String
[3:16] 6. Onde Está Você
[3:04] 7. Saudade (Nostalgic Longing)
[2:41] 8. Bahia Calling
[3:03] 9. Forgotten Dreams
[4:19] 10. Luizana
[3:57] 11. Cat Song
[2:22] 12. Street Corner Samba

Oscar Castro-Neves, a Brazilian guitarist who was instrumental in the development of that country’s bossa nova style, died in Los Angeles on Sept. 27. He was 73 and the cause was cancer. Castro-Neves had lived permanently in the United States since 1971.

Oscar Castro-Neves was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 15, 1940. He began playing guitar, specifically the Brazilian cavaquinho, a small Brazilian guitar, as a child and performed in local bands as a teen. He also learned piano but it was the guitar that brought him success, particularly after he became involved in formulating the emerging bossa nova sound, working with Jobim and others. While still living in Brazil, he recorded with major artists such as Vinicius de Moraes and Dorival Caymmi.

At 22, Castro-Neves performed at a bossa nova concert at Carnegie Hall and four years later he began working extensively in the States, eventually adding his guitar and vocals to recordings by Getz, Frank Sinatra, Elis Regina, Flora Purim, Joe Henderson, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, Eliane Elias, João Gilberto, Lee Ritenour, Airto Moreira, Diane Schuur, Herbie Hancock, Ella Fitzgerald, Ottmar Liebert and others. He arranged music for Quincy Jones, Flora Purim, Laurindo Almeida, Gilberto and others.

Oscar!

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Toots Thielemans - The Brasil Project

Styles: Guitar And Harmonica Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:51
Size: 128,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:57)  1. Começar de Novo
(4:23)  2. Obi
(3:00)  3. Felicia And Bianca
(4:10)  4. O Cantador
(2:57)  5. Joanna Francesa
(4:26)  6. Coisa Feita
(3:18)  7. Preciso Aprender a Ser Só
(5:41)  8. Fruta Boa
(4:29)  9. Coração Vagabundo
(3:29) 10. Manhã de Carnaval
(3:39) 11. Casa Fortes
(2:35) 12. Moments
(9:41) 13. Blusette

This popular set matches the brilliant harmonica player Toots Thielemans with such top Brazilian performers as Ivan Lins, Djavan, Oscar Castro-Neves, Dori Caymmi, Ricardo Silveira, João Bosco, Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento, Caetano Veloso, Luiz Bonfá, Edu Lobo and Eliane Elias, in addition to bassist Brian Bromberg, keyboardist Michael Lang, trumpeter Mark Isham and Dave Grusin. Thielemans is often in a supportive role behind the many soothing Brazilian singers and performers. The atmospheric date surprisingly does not have any Antonio Carlos Jobim songs, instead emphasizing lesser-known tunes (other than Toots' greatest hit "Bluesette"). Easily recommended to fans of Brazilian pop and jazz, this CD was soon followed by a second (and equally rewarding) set featuring many of the same performers. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-brasil-project-mw0000081385

Personnel: Toots Thielemans (harmonica, guitar, whistle); Milton Nascimento, Chico Buarque (vocals); Djavan, Joao Bosco, Dori Cayammi, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Edu Lobo, Luis Bonfa (guitar, vocals); Lee Ritenour, Oscar Castro-Neves, Ricardo Silveira (guitar); Mark Isham (trumpet); Dave Grusin, Eliane Elias (piano); Gilson Peranzzetta, Mike Lang (keyboards); Ivan Lins (keyboards, vocals); Brian Bromberg, Jamil Joanes, Nico Assumpcao, Marc Johnson (bass); Teo Lima (drums); Cassio Duarte, Bira Hawai, Jose Roberto, Paulinho Da Costa (percussion).

The Brasil Project

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Oscar Castro-Neves - Brazilian Scandals

Styles: Latin
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:14
Size: 127,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:32)  1. Brazilian Scandals
(4:42)  2. Pensando
(4:04)  3. Romancing Lorry
(3:51)  4. Sugarloaf Skyride
(2:49)  5. Cafe Copacabana
(4:44)  6. Return to Rio
(3:46)  7. Your Eyes
(3:05)  8. Carioca Rap
(4:31)  9. Ocean Drive
(4:32) 10. Tropical Dream
(4:35) 11. Ipanema Afternoon

Oscar Castro-Neves is a fine Brazilian guitarist who is equally talented in organizing projects. Unfortunately this particular set is quite commercial, rather weak in spots, and thoroughly forgettable. The main liability is the material, the arrangements, and the use of five vocalists. Despite a few decent solos (including from Ernie Watts on alto), this set of Brazilian-flavored pop is a misfire. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/brazilian-scandals-mw0000652235

Personnel : Oscar Castro-Neves (synthesizer, acoustic guitar, percussion, background vocals); Gary Herbig (soprano & tenor saxophones); Ernie Watts (alto saxophone); Glen Garret (tenor saxophone, flute, piccolo); Malta (alto saxophone); Jerry Hey, Chuck Findley (trumpet, flugelhorn); Bill Reichenbach (trombone, bass trombone, valve trombone); Phillip Ayling (flute, piccolo, oboe); Gilson Peranzzetta (piano); Mitch Holder (electric guitar); Luizao Maia (electric bass); Teo Lima (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion); Sonia Ferreira, Cyva Leite, Pedro Paulo Castro-Neves, Myriam Peracchi (background vocals).

Brazilian Scandals

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Oscar Castro-Neves - All One

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 63:07
Size: 144.5 MB
Styles: Bossa Nova, Brazilian jazz
Year: 2006
Art: Front

[4:51] 1. Double Rainbow
[4:49] 2. All One
[4:10] 3. Kurski Funk
[4:47] 4. Morrer De Amore (I Live To Love You)
[5:18] 5. Holding With An Open Hand
[2:46] 6. Não Me Diga Adeus
[4:41] 7. Naima
[4:42] 8. Historia De Un Amor
[4:53] 9. 'round Midnight
[5:23] 10. The Very Thought Of You
[5:05] 11. More Than Yesterday
[2:47] 12. There Will Never Be Another You
[4:36] 13. Prelude Op. 28, No. 20
[4:16] 14. One Bad Habit

Acoustic Bass – Brian Bromberg; Backing Vocals – Isela Sotelo, Kenny O'Brien, Luis Chaparro, Paulina Aguirre; Drums – Alex Acuña, Mike Shapiro; Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone [Soprano, Tenor], Bass Clarinet – Gary Meek; Percussion – Kevin Richard; Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes], Clavinet – Don Grusin; Violin, Viola – Charlie Bisharat; Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards, Arranged By – Oscar Castro-Neves.

Oscar Castro-Neves has been one of the most important Brazilian musicians on the jazz scene for some time. His skills as a guitarist, vocalist, composer, and arranger are all on display in this release. Starting with a swinging instrumental setting of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Double Rainbow," which incorporates Charlie Bisharat's Gypsy-like violin, Gary Meek's multiple reeds, and pianist Don Grusin, Castro-Neves signals that this is not going to be a predictable release. His compositions include the funky, strutting "All One" and the infectious "Holding with an Open Hand." The surprising rendition of "'Round Midnight" begins dramatically, then suddenly turns into a lively upbeat bossa nova. Equally compelling are his arrangements of standards like "The Very Thought of You" and "There Will Never Be Another You," both of which feature his warm, friendly vocals. The only disappointment is the inclusion of smooth jazzer Michael Franks' lightweight, monotonous "One Bad Habit" to close an otherwise flawless CD.By Ken Dryden

All One

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Oscar Castro-Neves - Playful Heart

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:43
Size: 128,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:02)  1. Waters Of March
(2:52)  2. Groovin' High/Whispering
(3:48)  3. Watch What Happens
(3:46)  4. My Foolish Heart
(4:29)  5. Manha De Carnaval/Prelude #3
(4:23)  6. Four Brothers
(4:43)  7. The Fool On The Hill
(3:17)  8. Lorry's Swing/Autumn Leaves
(4:38)  9. Send In The Clowns
(4:00) 10. Everything Happens To Me
(4:48) 11. Twenty Year Love Affair
(5:32) 12. Wave
(6:21) 13. Caruso

The beloved Brazilian guitar legend's resumé is so chock-full of varied musical experiences  jazz, pop, film scoring, ten years with Sergio Mendes that his brilliant solo efforts can't help but include informal homages to different eras of his life. He starts out here getting straight to the heart of the matter, paying tribute to his fellow countryman Antonio Carlos Jobim with a self-contained plucky guitar/vocal duet of "Waters of March," which includes spirited scat passages. He moves into samba mode for a lively medley of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker tunes, "Groovin' High/Whispering," deferring to Toots Thielemans' always engaging harmonica for melody as he harmonizes gently; then they switch roles. His other medley is a wilder, more percussive mix of a standard and an original, "Lorry's Swing/Autumn Leaves." 

Mixing modes, tempos, and moods, he mines standards ("Watch What Happens," "My Foolish Heart") and Brazilian classics (more by Jobim and Luiz Bonfá), and offers a dreamy take on "The Fool on the Hill," the Beatles song that Mendes made a famous cover of. No matter the rhythm pattern, outside percussion influence, or ensemble contribution (Don Grusin and Gary Meek make notable contributions), the soul of each tune is Castro-Neves' precise, melodic strings. From the diversity of this disc, it's clear he has a lot of beautiful memories to play with. ~ Jonathan Widran  http://www.allmusic.com/album/playful-heart-mw0000323776

Personnel : Oscar Castro-Neves (vocals, keyboards, guitar, bass); Gary Meek (winds); Toots Thielemans (harmonica); Don Grusin (piano); Calos Del Rosario (bass, drums, percussion); Charlie Bisharat.

Playful Heart

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Stan Getz - Apasionado

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:41
Size: 116,7 MB
Art: Front

(8:06) 1. Apasionado
(7:06) 2. Coba
(6:07) 3. Waltz For Stan
(4:15) 4. Espanõla
(5:26) 5. Madrugada
(4:59) 6. Amorous Cat
(9:00) 7. Midnight Ride
(5:39) 8. Lonely Lady

In the liner notes to this album, Stan Getz comments about how producer Herb Alpert showed him aspects of recording he had never experienced before. In this case, it's how to over-produce without overwhelming a lead soloist, as Alpert loads up this date with synthesizer players, electric instruments, and effects as a backdrop for the ultra-cool tenor of Getz. While not going overboard, it would have been nice to hear this music without the caramel-thick arrangements, leaving just Getz and a rhythm section to play sans the unnecessary sugarcoating.

Initially released about a year before Getz passed away, the end result is a lazy and far too sweet group of pieces that muck up romance in a smothering fashion. Where string arrangements can sound beautiful, the sleepy synths on "Waltz for Stan" and echoplexed sax during "Madrugada" and especially the nine-minute ambling "Midnight Ride" are not just a trifle overbearing. Eddie del Barrio's "Coba" fares better in a fusion-on-the-rock-side mode mixed with Brazilian tropicalia, while the title track utilizes an acoustic big band mixed with synths and electric piano in a ballad-to-light-samba-to-heavy-beats sauce.

"Española" starts with an out of tune electric bass guitar followed by some clichéd electric guitar from Michael Landau, while "Amorous Cat" reflects its title in a light funk rhythm. Some very good players are included, like drummer Jeff Porcaro (Toto), percussionist Paulinho Da Costa, acoustic guitarist Oscar Castro-Neves, and keyboardist Kenny Barron, with George Bohanon and Oscar Brashear in the big-band horn section. Otherwise, this recording is far from essential music made by Stan Getz, more suitable for mood music elevator wallpaper than a substantive listening experience. By Michael G. Nastos
https://www.allmusic.com/album/apasionado-mw0000655019

Personnel: Tenor Saxophone – Stan Getz; Bass – Jimmy Johnson ; Drums – Jeff Porcaro; Electric Guitar – Michael Landau; Oscar Castro Neves; Piano – Kenny Barron; Saxophone – William Green; Synthesizer, Electric Piano – Mike Lang; Trombone – George Bohanon, Reginald Young; Trumpet – Noland Smith Jr., Oscar Brashear, Rick Baptist; Tuba – Tom Johnson

Apasionado

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Eliane Elias - Quietude

Styles: Vocal, Piano, Brazilian Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:35
Size: 96,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:54) 1. Você e Eu (You and I)
(3:37) 2. Marina
(4:17) 3. Bahia Com H (Bahia With H)
(3:02) 4. Só Tinha Que Ser Com Você (This Love That I've Found)
(4:20) 5. Olha (Look)
(5:53) 6. Bahia Medley: Saudade da Bahia / Você Já Foi á Bahia
(3:30) 7. Eu Sambo Mesmo (I Really Samba)
(2:31) 8. Bolinha de Papel (Little Paper Ball)
(2:30) 9. Tim-Tim Por Tim-Tim
(3:26) 10. Brigas Nunca Mais (No More Fighting)
(3:30) 11. Saveiros

With 2022's Quietude, Eliane Elias crafts a sumptuously intimate showcase for her Portuguese vocals and bossa nova jazz balladry. The album follows her Grammy winning 2021 production Mirror Mirror, where she went head-to-head with fellow piano luminaries Chucho Valdes and Chick Corea, the latter of whom died soon after the album was finished. That album put Elias' immense jazz, Latin, and classical keyboard skills on display. While she does play some piano here, Quietude intentionally spotlights her voice, pairing the Brazilian-born performer with several of her closest guitar friends on a handful of her favorite songs from her homeland. Here, Elias is joined by Marcus Teixeira with whom she has worked since her breakthrough 2015 album Made in Brazil.

Also joining her is Lula Galvão, one of the leading masters of the Brazilian acoustic guitar tradition. There are also rhythm section contributions from percussionist Celso de Almeida and Elias' husband, bassist Marc Johnson, the latter of whom also produced the effort with Steve Rodby in São Paulo. Much of the album focuses on duets, including a hushed reading of Dorival Caymmi's "Marina" with Teixeira. Other songs, like her lyrical take on Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Só Tinha Que Ser Com Você" benefit from her lush small group sound. We also get a spritely take on Haroldo Barbosa and Geraldo Jacques' bossa nova "Tim-Tim Por Tim-Tim" which Elias recorded with the late Brazilian guitar legend Oscar Castro-Neves prior to his 2013 passing and which she hadn't released until now. Equally compelling is her affectionate album-ending duet with 79-year-old singer Dori Caymmi on his father and Nelson Motta's poetic sailing ballad "Saveiros."By Matt Collar https://www.allmusic.com/album/quietude-mw0003806438

Personnel: Eliane Elias – piano, vocals; Marcus Teixeira – guitar; Lula Galvão – guitar; Oscar Castro-Neves – guitar; Celso de Almeida – percussions; Marc Johnson – bass; Steve Rodby – bass

Quietude

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Ella Fitzgerald - Ella Abraça Jobim

Styles: Vocal
Year: 1981
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 75:11
Size: 173,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:54) 1. Dreamer (Vivo Sonhando)
(5:16) 2. This Love That I've Found (So Tinha de Ser com Voce)
(3:50) 3. The Girl from Ipanema (Garota de Ipanema)
(3:56) 4. Somewhere in the Hills (Favela)
(3:48) 5. Photograph (Fotografia)
(5:21) 6. Wave
(4:06) 7. Triste
(5:39) 8. Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)
(2:44) 9. Water to Drink (Agua de Beber)
(2:50) 10. Bonita
(3:42) 11. Off Key (Desafinado)
(5:12) 12. He's a Carioca (Ele e Carioca)
(6:36) 13. Dindi
(2:59) 14. How Insensitive (Insensatez)
(3:52) 15. One Note Samba (Samba de Uma Nota So)
(2:17) 16. A Felicidade
(7:59) 17. Useless Landscape (Inutil Paisagem)

For years, "The Girl fom Ipanema" was a staple in Ella Fitzgerald's songbook, so it's something of a wonder that it was not until 1981 that Ella Abraça Jobim, Fitzgerald's double-album immersion in Antonio Carlos Jobim's back catalog, appeared. Ella's first single-composer release since 1964's tribute to Jerome Kern, Ella Abraça Jobim is, more than anything, final proof of the unassuming Brazilian's place in jazz history alongside the great composers. Sadly Jobim's mellow bossa nova, drenched in the Brazilian concept of saudade, or agreeable melancholy, doesn't necessarily gel with Fitzgerald's swing-based and energetic vocal style.

Fitzgerald and her small group take songs like "Agua de Beber (Water to Drink)" at just slightly too speedy a tempo, rushing a bit where they should be gamboling. Fitzgerald is in very good voice compared to some other recordings from her later years, though, sadly, she's clearly not at her peak. Norman Granz's production is typically excellent, however, and the arrangements are refreshingly free of the typical late-'70s/early-'80s post-fusion clichés. Neither Fitzgerald nor Jobim's finest, then, but not without merit.~ Stewart Masonhttps://www.allmusic.com/album/ella-abra%C3%A7a-jobim-sings-the-antonio-carlos-jobim-songbook-mw0000195476

Personnel: Ella Fitzgerald - Vocals; Clark Terry - Trumpet; Zoot Sims - Tenor Saxophone; Toots Thielemans - Harmonica; Henry Trotter - Keyboards; Mike Lang - Keyboards; Clarence McDonald - Keyboards; Joe Pass - Electric guitar (soloist); Oscar Castro-Neves - Acoustic guitar (soloist); Paul Jackson, Jr. - Rhythm guitar; Mitch Holder - Rhythm guitar; Roland Bautista - Rhythm guitar; Abraham Laboriel - Double Bass; Alex Acuña - Drums; Paulinho da Costa - Percussion

Ella Abraca Jobim

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Diane Schuur - Midnight

Styles: Vocal And Piano Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:30
Size: 111,2 MB
Art: Front

(2:58)  1. Meet Me, Midnight
(4:49)  2. When October Goes
(3:49)  3. Stay Away From Bill
(4:18)  4. I'll Be There
(4:12)  5. Consider The Point From Both Ends
(3:31)  6. What Is Love?
(4:06)  7. He Loved Me
(2:39)  8. Southwind
(3:31)  9. Our Love Will Always Be There
(3:32) 10. No Heartache Tonight
(3:58) 11. Good-bye My Love
(4:02) 12. Life Is Good
(2:59) 13. Anytime

Diane Schuur has been singing for an adoring public since the age of nine. Those who have praised and supported her talent include Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Stan Getz and Leonard Feather. She has been nominated five times for Grammy Awards and has received two, for Timeless in 1986 and Diane Schuur with the Count Basie Orchestra in 1987.  Midnight is a video-enhanced CD, Schuur’s third release for Concord Records and her first under the tutelage of Barry Manilow and his co-producer, co-writer and arranger, Eddie Arkin. Over the course of a year, Manilow, Arkin and their lyricists Marty Panzer, Bruce Sussman and Adrienne Anderson composed thirteen songs for Schuur; two of the selections feature lyrics by Johnny Mercer.

The attempt to create and maintain a smoky, after-hours ambience is generally successful, with good variety, order and pacing; Dan Higgins’ alto sax solos are especially poignant and communicative. The chemistry between Manilow and Schuur seems felicitous; the CD is produced and polished to a slick sheen, with big-name jazz and soul soloists, well-harmonized arrangements, and an orchestra of glistening strings conducted by Jorge Calandrelli. Schuur’s vocal instrument is in its usual fine form, with good rhythmic and harmonic sensibilities, three-plus octave range, and impeccable intonation (although her emotional intensity sometimes causes her to over-sing and her vibrato to become tremulous). The guest appearances by Allyson, McKnight and Manilow each fit their respective selections and arrangements to a tee. Those who like their music lush, polished, dramatic and emotional are apt to find this CD to their liking. Those who like an edge to their jazz, a spirit of adventure and unpredictability, would probably do well to look elsewhere. ~ J.Robert Bragonier  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/midnight-diane-schuur-concord-music-group-review-by-j-robert-bragonier.php

Personnel: Diane Schuur (vocals, piano); Phillip Ingram, Yvonne Williams (vocals, background vocals); Karrin Allyson, Barry Manilow, Brian McKnight (vocals); Eddie Arkin, Oscar Castro-Neves, Anthony Wilson (guitar); Gayle Levant (harp); Dan Higgins (flute, alto saxophone); Tommy Morgan (harmonica); Bill Liston (clarinet, saxophone, tenor saxophone); Warren Luening (trumpet, flugelhorn); Andy Martin (trombone); Alan Broadbent, Randy Kerber (piano); Alan Estes (vibraphone, percussion); Harvey Mason, Sr. , Peter Erskine (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (percussion).

Midnight

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Amanda Brecker - Brazilian Passion

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:54
Size: 107,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:43)  1. Ai Ai Ai Ai Ai
(3:23)  2. Felicidade
(3:00)  3. Meant to Be
(4:05)  4. Agua de Beber
(4:14)  5. On and On
(3:33)  6. In the Sun
(3:19)  7. Lembra de Mim
(3:04)  8. Fly Me to the Moon
(3:32)  9. Deny Deny
(3:43) 10. Thirsty
(3:03) 11. Nobre Vagabundo
(3:57) 12. That Dance
(3:12) 13. Autumn Leaves (Les Feuilles Mortes)

Amanda Brecker is a singer/songwriter from New York City. In 2008, she signed her first record deal with Birds Records in Japan and released her first album, entitled ”Here I Am.” Shortly after, her composition “Novo Lugar” became the theme song on the Japanese Television Series, “Giants of Beauty.” That same year in Japan, her album received the Gold Disc Award, Best New Talent Award and New Star Award by Swing Journal. She also received the New Star International Prize by ADLIB. “Here I Am” went on to become the #1 Best selling Jazz Vocal CD of the summer of 2008. Amanda’s second album, “Brazilian Passion,” was released in Japan in 2009. This album is a blend of Brazilian and American music, which represents Amanda’s background. Most of the songs on the album are influenced by Brazilian rhythms and features four of Amanda’s original compositions. Amongst well known covers, the album includes special guest and Brazilian legend, Ivan Lins, who sings on two of the tracks with Amanda. This album received the Gold Disc Award by Swing Journal, Japan in 2009.In November 2010, Amanda left Birds Records and signed with Universal Music Japan. She then recorded her third album, “Blossom”, produced by Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Jesse Harris. “Blossom”, a concept proposed by Universal, is a tribute album dedicated to James Taylor and Carole King. Musicians on the album include some of James Taylor and Carole King’s working band: Lee Sklar (bass), Russ Kunkel (drums) and Larry Goldings (piano/keyboard), plus Jesse Harris (acoustic guitar) and Anthony Wilson (electric guitar). The album was released in Japan in May of 2011 in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Carole King’s “Tapestry” album and will be released in the United States on February 26th, 2012. Amanda’s talent was notible at a very young age. At age 5, she easily invented melodies, harmonies and words of her own while singing and playing the piano, which displayed a natural inclination for songwriting. She comes from a long line of musicians and is the daughter of Brazilian pianist/singer Eliane Elias and the trumpeter Randy Brecker, two very prominent artists on the Jazz scene. Her uncle is the late saxophonist, Michael Brecker. When Amanda was 8 years old, she sang on Eliane Elias’s album “Fantasia,” interpreting Milton Nascimento’s “Ponta de Areia”, a performance that brought the composer to tears. Following the recording, Amanda performed live with Milton Nascimento in Paris when she was 9 years old. Prior to starting her solo career , she sang on several of Eliane Elias’s albums and performed live with her mother on various occasions. Amanda always composed at the piano. Just a couple years ago, she picked up the guitar, which opened up a new perspective for her as a songwriter. She is currently working on new material for a next album and preparing for the release of ‘Blossom’ in the US. https://www.last.fm/music/Amanda+Brecker/+wiki

Personnel:  Amanda Brecker  (Vocals, Piano);  Oscar Castro Neves (Acoustic guitar;  Ivan Lins (Vocals);  Andy Snitzer (Trumpets);  Ross Traut (Electric Guitar);  Randy Marchica (Drums);  Rafael Barata (Percussion);  Zeb Katz (Bass).

Brazilian Passion

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Carol Welsman - The Language Of Love

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:50
Size: 121.0 MB
Styles: Easy Listening
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[3:12] 1. Taking A Chance On Love
[3:42] 2. You Take Me Away
[2:39] 3. On A Slow Boat To China
[5:43] 4. A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
[3:31] 5. Can't Help Falling In Love
[3:31] 6. Just One Of Those Things
[4:11] 7. Coracao Leviano
[4:38] 8. Every Breath You Take
[4:00] 9. A Fool I Know
[4:47] 10. There's No Such Thing As Love
[4:12] 11. The Man I Love
[4:25] 12. Chanson De Maxence
[4:14] 13. Senza Fine

Acoustic Guitar – Oscar Castro-Neves; Backing Vocals – Kate Markowitz; Bass – Dave Carpenter; Drums, Percussion – Alex Acuña; Electric Guitar – Ramon Stagnaro; Flute – Gary Meek; Percussion – Calos Del Rosario; Violin, Viola – Charlie Bisharat.

Carol Welsman’s love letter sends its message around the world. She sings in English, French, Italian and Portuguese on this album of treasured memories. Traces of tango, samba and bossa nova mingle casually with sensual ballads and traditional fare. Poignant arrangements of “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” and Sting’s “Every Breath You Take” sweep away the clouds and reveal a veteran vocalist with heart.

The Language Of Love is Welsman’s fifth album. Based in Toronto, and the granddaughter of Frank S. Welsman (founder and first conductor of the Toronto Symphony) has eluded the U.S. limelight. Until now. Starting out as a piano performance major at Berklee and a vocal student of Christiane Legrand in Paris, Welsman has become fluent in several languages: French, Italian, and Jazz. Her vocal preferences lie in the mainstream: pure swing with genuine passion and traces of creative invention. Welsman appears as comfortable with wordless scat singing as she does interpreting lyrics. Bongos and conga drums support her as casually as the guitars, bass and drums. Welsman’s piano accompaniment and brief solo sections enhance her vocal delivery, as do the other supporting instrumentalists. The album includes a lovely duet with Arnold McCuller on “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” But it’s the vocal impressions of Carol Welsman that take center stage on her Savoy Jazz debut. Recommended, this album heralds the arrival of an exquisite jazz singer to a wider audience. ~Jim Santella

The Language Of Love

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Flora Purim - Stories To Tell

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:59
Size: 91.6 MB
Styles: Fusion, Latin jazz
Year: 1974
Art: Front

[3:40] 1. Stories To Tell
[5:52] 2. Search For Peace
[3:53] 3. Casa Forte
[2:44] 4. Insensatez
[3:14] 5. Mountain Train
[4:03] 6. To Say Goodbye
[5:38] 7. Silver Sword
[4:10] 8. Vera Cruz (Empty Faces)
[6:41] 9. O Cantador I Just Want To Be Here

Though her recordings for Chick Corea's Return to Forever provide a better introduction to her vocal talents, Stories to Tell is an excellent outing by Flora Purim and friends. Assisted by a cast of jazz/fusion all-stars led by husband Airto Moreira, Purim shows off the wide range of her abilities: from wordless vocal soaring to songs with lyrics in English and Portuguese, from uptempo percussion-driven workouts to beautiful ballads. In addition to Airto, the assembled cast includes bassists Miroslav Vitous and Ron Carter, keyboard wunderkind George Duke, guitarists Earl Klugh and Oscar Castro-Neves, and trombonist Raul de Souza. Also, Carlos Santana turns in one of his patented sizzling guitar solos on "Silver Sword." With material from Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vitous, Milton Nascimento, McCoy Tyner, and Purim herself, this is an album worth savoring. ~Jim Newsom

Stories To Tell

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Ella Fitzgerald - Ella Abraça Jobim

Styles: Vocal Jazz, Brazilian Jazz

Year: 1981
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:01
Size: 181,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:56)  1. Somewhere In The Hills
(3:50)  2. The Girl From Ipanema
(6:37)  3. Dindi
(3:41)  4. Off Key
(2:44)  5. Water To Drink
(4:55)  6. Dreamer
(5:40)  7. Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars
(2:50)  8. Bonita
(3:51)  9. One Note Samba
(4:07) 10. Triste
(3:00) 11. How Insensitive
(5:14) 12. He's A Carioca
(5:17) 13. This Love That I've Found
(2:19) 14. A Felicidade
(5:22) 15. Wave
(3:40) 16. Song Of The Jet
(3:49) 17. Photograph
(7:59) 18. Useless Landscape

For years, "The Girl fom Ipanema" was a staple in Ella Fitzgerald's songbook, so it's something of a wonder that it was not until 1981 that Ella Abraça Jobim, Fitzgerald's double-album immersion in Antonio Carlos Jobim's back catalog, appeared. Ella's first single-composer release since 1964's tribute to Jerome Kern, Ella Abraça Jobim is, more than anything, final proof of the unassuming Brazilian's place in jazz history alongside the great composers. Sadly Jobim's mellow bossa nova, drenched in the Brazilian concept of saudade, or agreeable melancholy, doesn't necessarily gel with Fitzgerald's swing-based and energetic vocal style. Fitzgerald and her small group take songs like "Agua de Beber (Water to Drink)" at just slightly too speedy a tempo, rushing a bit where they should be gamboling. Fitzgerald is in very good voice compared to some other recordings from her later years, though, sadly, she's clearly not at her peak. Norman Granz's production is typically excellent, however, and the arrangements are refreshingly free of the typical late-'70s/early-'80s post-fusion clichés. Neither Fitzgerald nor Jobim's finest, then, but not without merit.~Stewart Mason http://www.allmusic.com/album/ella-abra%C3%A7a-jobim-sings-the-antonio-carlos-jobim-songbook-mw0000195476

Personnel:  Ella Fitzgerald – Vocals;  Clark Terry – Trumpet;  Zoot Sims - Tenor Saxophone;  Toots Thielemans – Harmonica;  Henry Trotter – Keyboard;  Mike Lang – Keyboards;  Clarence McDonald – Keyboards;  Joe Pass - Electric guitar (soloist);  Oscar Castro-Neves - Acoustic guitar (soloist);  Paul Jackson, Jr. - Rhythm guitar;  Mitch Holder - Rhythm guitar;  Ronald Bautiste - Rhythm guitar;  Abraham Laboriel - Double Bass;  Alex Acuña – Drums;  Paulinho da Costa - Percussion

Ella Abraça Jobim

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Michael Dees - One Single Rose

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:49
Size: 107,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:47)  1. What'll I Do?
(4:21)  2. More Love
(3:41)  3. Lately
(3:10)  4. You Can't Be True
(5:04)  5. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
(3:22)  6. Where Do You Start
(4:12)  7. You Were Meant For Me
(4:37)  8. How Deep Is The Ocean?
(4:40)  9. One Single Rose
(3:38) 10. But Beautiful
(2:38) 11. This Happy Madness
(4:32) 12. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye

With his ultra-smooth vocals and easygoing persona, Michael Dees is the consummate lounge singer. Voted Best New Male Singer at the International Popular Song Festival in 1968, Dees has gone on to sing in such films as A Walk in the Rain, Day of the Locust, The Happy Ending, Buddy Buddy, Sabrina, and Slow Dancing in the Big City. His vocals were featured on two episodes of The Simpsons. Dees' ability to re-create the vocals of Frank Sinatra came in handy when HBO produced the original biopic The Rat Pack in 1998. Refused use of the original recordings by Sinatra's estate, the cable network turned to Dees, whose singing provided some of the film's best moments. Dees released his debut solo album, One Single Rose, in 2002. ~ Craig Harris  https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/michael-dees/id101885243#fullText

Personnel: Michael Dees (vocals); Oscar Castro-Neves (acoustic guitar); Paul Viapiano (electric guitar); Hubert Laws (flute); Ray Pizzi (woodwinds); Sal Marquez (trumpet); George Gaffney (piano); Joe Scott (keyboards); Enzo Todesco (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion).

One Single Rose

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Vanessa Rubin - Vanessa Rubin Sings

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:44
Size: 112,1 MB
Art: Front

(3:37)  1. Our Love is Here to Stay
(5:10)  2. It's Probably Me
(4:30)  3. Being Green
(4:22)  4. All For One
(4:45)  5. My Ship
(3:07)  6. Seven Days
(3:36)  7. Once Upon a Summertime
(4:12)  8. Close Enough For Love
(3:07)  9. Morning
(2:54) 10. Unless It's You
(5:27) 11. Black Coffee
(3:52) 12. His Eye Is on the Sparrow

Vanessa Rubin has a lovely voice, but rarely wanders much from the melody. Since many of the songs that she performs on this Novus CD have already been done definitively dozens of times by others (such as "Our Love Is Here to Stay," "My Ship," "Morning," and even "Being Green"), the value of the release is not as high as it should be. Rubin does contribute new lyrics to Wayne Shorter's "Speak No Evil" (renamed "All for One"), her singing is heartfelt on "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," and Steve Turre's four appearances (on trombone and conch shells) are a major asset. But why revive "Black Coffee" (another song that has already been done perfectly) with its self-pitying attitude and dated references to cigarettes. ~ Scott Yanow  http://www.allmusic.com/album/vanessa-rubin-sings-mw0000179695

Personnel: Vanessa Rubin (vocals); Steve Turre (trombone, conch shells); Toots Thielemans (harmonica); Michael Lang (piano); Oscar Castro-Neves (acoustic guitar); Kevin Eubanks, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Bob Hurst, Dave Carpenter (bass); Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Alex Acuna (drums); Morgan Ames, Clydene Jackson, Darlene Koldenhoven, Jim Gilstrap (background vocals).

Vanessa Rubin Sings

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Lee Ritenour - World Of Brazil

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 2005
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:33
Size: 138,0 MB
Scans:

(5:06)  1. Water To Drink (Agua De Beber)
(6:16)  2. Latin Lovers (Incompatibilidada De Ginios)
(5:27)  3. Linda (Voce é Linda)
(4:57)  4. Dindi
(8:47)  5. Stone Flower
(4:59)  6. San Isidro
(4:42)  7. Harlequin (Arlequim Desconhecido)
(4:51)  8. Bahia Funk
(5:21)  9. Asa
(4:20) 10. Windmill
(4:42) 11. E (Yeah!)

Guitarist Lee Ritenour has long been associated with Brazilian styles (especially after playing with Sergio Mendes's Brasil '77 in the '70s), and 2005's  World Of Brazil continues that association to excellent effect. Ritenour's smooth, soulful style lends itself perfectly to bossa nova and samba grooves on this mix of originals and covers (including, not surprisingly, several tunes by the genre's greatest composer, Antonio Carlos Jobim).

But one of the things that makes World Of Brazil such a treat is the host of guest stars, which includes keyboardists Herbie Hancock and Dave Grusin, bassist John Pattitucci, singer El Debarge, and percussionist Carlinhos Brown. No less a luminary than Tropicalia pioneer Caetano Veloso appears on his own "Linda," and his sultry tenor sounds as alluring as ever. With its mix of smooth jazz and Brazilian flavors, the overall vibe of this disc is relaxed, sophisticated, and cool. http://www.allmusic.com/album/world-of-brazil-mw0000408791

Personnel: Lee Ritenour (guitar, keyboards, synthesizer); Lee Ritenour (bass instrument); Djavan (vocals, guitar); El DeBarge, Gonzaguinha, Kevyn Lettau (vocals); Oscar Castro-Neves, Paul Jackson, Jr. (guitar); Dan Higgins (flute); Larry E. Williams (tenor saxophone, keyboards, synthesizer); Jerry Hey (trumpet, horns); Russell Ferrante (keyboards, synthesizer); David Witham, Greg Phillinganes (keyboards); Barnaby Finch (midi piano); John Patitucci, Anthony Jackson (bass instrument); Gary Novak, Omar Hakim, Carlos Vega (drums); Alex Acuña (percussion); Marietta Waters, Kate Markowitz (background vocals); Joao Bosco (vocals, guitar); Ivan Lins, Caetano Veloso (vocals); Art Porter (soprano saxophone); Ernie Watts (tenor saxophone); Dave Grusin (piano, keyboards); Herbie Hancock (piano); Carlinhos Brown (djembe); Paulinho Da Costa, Cassio Duarte (percussion); Gracinha Leporace (background vocals).

World Of Brazil

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