Brazilian Romance

Sarah Vaughan (Artist), Milton Nascimento (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000026H4
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,159 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent romantic album, January 4, 2004

By 

Peter Durward Harris "Pete the music fan" (Leicester England) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Brazilian Romance (Audio CD)

By the time Sassy recorded this album in 1987, the years of singing were beginning to catch up with her, so it is understandable that she decided to record an album of love songs. Sergio Mendes, a noted figure in Brazilian music, produced the album. The songwriters are unfamiliar to me but most of the songs were co-written by Dori Caymmi or Milton Nascimento, though these two never wrote any of these songs together.

The main musicians are George Duke (keyboards), Alphonso Johnson (bass), Dan Huff and Dori Caymmi (guitars), Carlos Vega (drums) and Paulinho Da Costa (percussion). Guest musicians are brought in as required to play flute, lyricon, tenor sax, alto sax, flugel horn, trumpet and acoustic bass. Backing all of these are a myriad of musicians playing violins, violas and cellos, together with a harpist. Despite all these musicians, the music is very relaxing and the most important instrument of all is Sarah's voice - still in fine form after all those years.

None of these songs are famous but I recognized the opener, Make this city ours tonight, as it was subsequently recorded by the brilliant British jazz singer Claire Martin in the nineties. It is likely that Claire learned the song by listening to this very album, although she recorded the song her way and the two versions are very contrasting. On this album, none of the songs stand out from the others very much, though perhaps my favorite is So many stars, one of only two songs not co-written by Dori Caymmi or Milton Nascimento - it was instead co-written by Sergio Mendes with Alan and Marilyn Bergman, who provided some classic songs for Barbra Streisand and others.

This is an outstanding collection of romantic jazz music with a Latin flavor, ideal for that candle-lit dinner or other romantic occasions, but enjoyable at any time.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sassy's Farewell, January 30, 2000

By 

Edward L. Hicks (Charleston, WV) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Brazilian Romance (Audio CD)

This Sergio Mendes-produced release from 1987 was the last complete studio effort from the greatest female jazz/pop singer of the 20th Century (apologies to Ella). It is also a beautifully sung and orchestrated compilation of latin-influenced jazz, in the vein of Jobim, Getz, Gilberto, etc. A must for any fan of the genre, or anyone who wishes to get acquainted with the incredible vocal range of the magnificant Miss V. All ten cuts are special, but listen to "Wanting More" and the closer, "Your Smile" to get chills up your spine. Sassy, you are sorely missed, and there is no one who will ever match your talent, range, and heart.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So Many Stars......., November 2, 2001

By 

douglas barton "emotions in motion" (Arlington, Va.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Brazilian Romance (Audio CD)

I am constantly on the look-out for music that sets a certain mood. Music can often define a moment in our lives as well as take us back to a time that will always remain a fond memory.

That being said...Sarah Vaughn's "Brazilian Romance" is one of those records for me. Incredibly sultry, elegant,sophisticated and whatever adjectives you may care to use, this cd simply carries so many "moods". When listening to "So Many Stars" and "Obsession" or for that matter, this entire disc,Sarah constantly redefines how subtle, beautiful and powerful music can be. The songs are wisely chosen and even at this late stage of her career Sarah was in fine voice. No! Make that an incredible voice.

I often find myself putting this on, shuffling the disc with Antonio Jobim's "Wave" and Sinatra's cd he recorded with A. Jobim and creating an atmophere that generally sends me to my favorite chair listening in sweet surrender.Or,for that matter, putting "Brazilian Romance" on by itself and ,at some point, stopping myself in the midst of whatever I may be doing, so I could listen attentively.This disc has an almost mesmorizing quality about it...and for that I enjoy it so much. This cd will almost certainly have that effect on anyone who is fortunate to own a copy.

All in all... the disc carries a certain "world-weariness" about it that is hard to deny. But then, you've a singer who has certainly seen it all so she is simply able to bring an experience to these songs that few young singers could do.A wonderful quality indeed!So if you've a mind to own a piece of music that can make you think back to that old flame or you may just wish to set a mood for a relaxing, care-free evening than consider purchasing your own copy of "Brazilian Romance".A lovely way to spend the evening!