Jazz Vocalist Luciana Souza Beguiles on ‘Storytellers’
In arranger Vince Mendoza and the WDR Big Band, singer Luciana Souza has partners who understand that it's important she beguile rather than batter.
bossa nova
Natalia Lafourcade Stages a Stirring Benefit to Rescue Mexico’s Musical Heritage
Un Canto Por Mexico is a true labor of love. Natalia Lafourcade led with her heart and was elegantly guided by her refined musical intelligence.
From Disco Pop to Deep Blues in Seven Songs with La Santa Cecilia
Grammy-winning Los Angeles band La Santa Cecilia's new self-titled album covers much musical ground, all of which is tied together by the powerful vocals of lead singer La Marisoul.
The Past and Present of Brazilian Jazz Meld on ‘Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim’
Percussionist Duduka Da Fonseca and pianist Helio Alves have a long history of collaborating on record and stage. Samba Jazz & Tom Jobim finds the two at the top of their game, both honoring and pushing Brazilian jazz in bold directions.
Luciana Souza Gets Highly Poetic on ‘The Book of Longing’
Every line, every note of Luciana Souza's program of poetry turned into song as The Book of Longing is imbued with the power of feeling expressed through compression rather than explosion.
Luciana Souza Delivers a Breathtaking Album of Nuance, Homage, and Poetry with ‘The Book of Longing’
At times abstract and elusive while others vivacious and brimming with energy, Luciana Souza's The Book of Longing is a brilliant and sensual release from one of today's foremost jazz-crossover singers.
Kassin Tempers Bossa Nova Vibe with Darker Themes on ‘Relax’
Multi-instrumentalist/producer Kassin's latest album is a missive from a place of post-divorce reflection.
Bossacucanova: The Best of Bossacucanova
To take a beloved classic and update it is always a risky endeavor. Bossacucanova has made a career out of it.
Lush Life: The Music of Brazil’s Doris Monteiro
Doris Monteiro, Brazil's "Queen of Radio", offered in 1976 what was perhaps her finest musical declaration with Agora, a now obscure and luxurious treasure of Brazilian pop-delights.
Vinicius Cantuária: Vinicius Canta Antonio Carlos Jobim
What happens when one Brazilian music giant tackles another? Smooth sailing, that's what.
Trails and Ways: Pathology
World beats and poetic lyrics vie in up-tempo dance songs on this debut album
Caetano Veloso: Abraçaço
The final recording of a collaborative trilogy, Abraçaço sees the seemingly ageless septuagenarian inventively fusing the Tropicália style with an indie pop sensibility.