Genius And Music Of Antonio Carlos Jobim, The - Brazilian Tropical Orchestra

Advantages: Beautiful acoustic guitar music superbly played
Disadvantages: Very difficult now to get hold of as original CD.

.... It seemed to have this immediate appeal to me. All of these tracks are very listenable whether you are a jazz fan or not. The slowest track played is Ill Wind. The remaining numbers are either medium paced, How Insensitive or played fast, Joy Spring. How Insensitive was the track I first heard on Jazz FM, and is my favourite here. You'll probably recognise the tune without necessarily knowing it by name. It was written by Brazilian Antonio Carlos Jobim who wrote the very famous Girl From Ipenema. The version here is superb. Larry Coryell wrote tracks 1) and 5), with the remaining songs being cover versions of standards. Being new to this album the problem arises, who is playing the lead at any particular time on a song. Unfortunately the CD notes are none too helpful. At times the 2 guitarists sound similar in style eg on How Insensitive... Read review

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Advantages: Relaxing, sophisticated, easy to listen to, Diana's sexy voice
Disadvantages: Not much variety, could do with a few up tempo tracks

.... They are so laid back they’re almost horizontal! They are all beautifully sung and recorded and remind me of the great Brazilian songwriter/singer, Antonio Carlos Jobim. Besame Mucho is actually sung in Portuguese, it really is beautiful. These songs are definitely made for the summer, and conjure up images of Rio and white sandy beaches. Again, the Look of Love is an unusual choice for a jazz song but it is performed and arranged beautifully. This really is a lovely album. All the songs are relaxed and laid back, and the whole album definitely has a Latin feel. It is an album to listen to when you want to relax and chill out, maybe light a few candles, some incense and hopefully if you’re really good get your other half to give you an all over body massage (I’m going sex mad at the moment aren’t I?!)! It is perfect... Read review

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Advantages: Vastly original, superbly expressive
Disadvantages: Singles spoil the mood only slightly

...that disagree with me but I feel that I’ve taken you through a classic of the modern times – from yhwman: “Very good, but not enough anger.” Michael has really pushed the boat out with this one, throwing himself and his ideals fully into his work. Having officially “Come out” as a homosexual in 1998, he must have had a lot to think about, and a lot to live with during his career, and I admire him immensely for what this album stands for and what it preaches. If you like powerful and thoughtful lyrics, buy it. If you want to see how big a step one determined man can make in a short time, buy it. PS: Yours truly has just finished doing some research on said “Spanish sounding guys” whom the album is dedicated to: Antonio Carlos Jobim: I couldn’t really find much out about this person... Read review

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