Customer Reviews

Brazilian Romance

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I first heard "Nothing Will Be As It Was" on LOVE 94 FM and I thought it was beautiful. But when I heard "Love and Passion" with Milton Nascimento...I totally fell in love with the CD. My hat's off to Sergio Mendez for producing and gathering a fantastic ensemble including George Duke, Alfonso Johnson, Hubert Laws, Tom Scott, Ernie Watts, and many others.

I love me some Sarah Vaughan and I love me some Brazilian music, but for a long time I was afraid to buy this album. I was afraid that I would hear the effects of cancer on her voice, making it less than legendary, less than the 'velvety swoops' that I had come to learn as Sassy's genius.

I was not disappointed. This album solidified for me her innovation and brilliance. Of course, her voice deepened and mellowed, but there she was - The Divine One! Lesser vocalists could really make these songs sound pedantic, but Sassy swoops and swings her way around these almost trifling songs. I guess by then she was used to breathing life into tired songs! This album actually includes one of my favorite Sassy songs - "It's Simple", and it really is a simple song, but damn, does she work it out! It's a song that will make you want to be in love ...

The Divine One is simply that DIVINE sure there are other great singers but this IS THE ONE WHO FLYS HIGH ABOVE THE REST IN ANY facet of vocal artistry...GO get this....Sarah what a glorious way to leave this earth...... SIMPLY DIVINE..your music makes my heart sing..

There are so many albums out there by the incredible Miss Sarah Vaughan, however, this is one that has always stood out for me. The rhythms, intrumentation and her lovely voice make this CD a delight. All of the songs take you to a far away beautiful place. Songs of special mention are: "Make This City Ours Tonight", "So Many Stars", "Photograph", "Nothing Will be As it Was", "Wanting More", "Your Smile". The music styles range from haunting to reflective. It is a must for any Sarah fan. Brazilian music is a combination of many things, but the best combination in my opinion is Sarah's style and her interpretation of a type of music that will stand the test of time.

I recall reading a review of this recording quite some time ago wherein the reviewer had something bad to say about it. I don't recall who that reviewer was (and wouldn't bother to mention them by name, even if I did), but I can find no fault with this lovely record. If you like Sarah Vaughan, Brazilian music or both I think it is more than likely that you will really enjoy this one. If it's not your cup of tea, fine. If that's the case then I must echo the sentiments of Phil Collins and declare that you obviously have far too much taste and should, therefore, be bound with piano wire and forced to listen Demis Roussos records.

I have always been a big fan of Sarah's music but when I heard her sing these songs I was blown away. This music fit her voice perfectly. Wanting more and So many stars literally put me in a trance.

This album is the first of Sarah Vaughan's that I purchased. I have always been enamored of Latin Jazz, Jobim especially. This album is ideal for those hot nights as well as perfect background music for outdoor evenings in the Summer.