Customer Reviews

Garota Moderna

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the same as the "out of stock" on Amazon. The difference? This one has a jewel case (at least it did in the store) and is released in the US under a different distributor.
This is perhaps the closest thing to a new release from Nicola Conte besides the numerous remixes that he's done and the Jet Sounds Revisited CD.

For a bit of background, this cd was released on Schema label, which is home to Gerardo Frisina, Nicola Conte, Fragmentorchestra, S-Tone Inc., Soulstance and the Break and Bossa franchinse and countless other dj's and producers in Italy. From that alone, you can get sort of the style of this cd. It is very jazzy, but the singer, Rosalia De Souza, has worked with other Schema artists as well. Namely, Les Hommes and Quintetto X, ranging in everything from a sort of trippy feel to jazziness.

I first really found out about Rosalia thanks to the Break & Bossa vol 5 double disc set (also on Schema label). When that compilation came out, the tracks which featured her were sort of dj prototypes. But both tracks are actually included in this release - almost identical to the ones on Break & Bossa. The style of the cd is the Bossa you would expect from Schema label artists and Conte. Up-beat and catchy, sounds of the 60's and 70's with imposing touches of modern flair. This is definitely something you would hear in a happening lounge where you can hear the person beside you yet wonder what is playing overhead.

Remakes of old Brazilian classics are included, from the first track: Maria Moita on down to Canto De Ossanha and Adriana, Saudisismo - a Caetano Veloso track, and Ipanema. Rosalia De Souza's voice is amazing - very soft and delicate. Then comes some of the other works which both Souza and Conte worked on, like Bossa 31, Mais and As Gotas, a track that seems tailor made to their style together.

I definitely recommend this CD. While this is very different from the style of Jet Sounds, it is still a refreshing cd and perfect addition to the collection - they do go hand in hand. Downside to this? Well, Zona Sul, the second to last track on this cd is actually the same as "Zig-Zag" on Break N Bossa, only it is without the lyrics - Rosalia's voice is used as an instrument. It is nice, but you get kind of used to her voice.

PICK THIS UP! And don't worry - Conte is rumored to be working on a new album right now.

As I listened to this CD, I wondered to myself, why do I love this music so much? Referring to the sounds of Brazilian artists such as Bebel Gilberto and Now Rosalia De Souza. One listen to Saudosismo, will tell you why. I've never heard music that had so much beauty despite not being able to understand the lyrics. Nicola Conte, the producer needs to be commended for this effort. Even though his "Bossa Per Due" is awesome, this one is even better. WOW! A debate between a friend and I is very hot as to which effort is better "Tanto Tempo" from Gilberto or "Garota Moderna". It's close, but both are too good to say which one is better. The whole CD is beautiful and mesmerizing. The combination of Jazz, Electronica and Bossa are GREAT! This CD is definite proof of that. I'd take stuff like this any day over what I hear over urban radio or Top 40.

Rosalia de Souza is absolutely amazing with her voice. She truly is a gem. This Brazilian beats mix with the lounge style music is just bliss. It's been a while since I've been so struck from hearing something so good. I truly recommend this album, you won't regret it.

this album is flawless!! absolutely beautiful!! if you like bossa nova but are looking for something modern this is it!! i especially love the song mais. even if you don't understand portuguese it will not stop you from appreciating this album.

Many folks hail young Ms. De Souza as a new Bebel Gilberto, an electronic-trip hop crossover diva... But while there are a few electro beats on some of these songs, I'd peg her as more akin to the late jazz-MPB queen Elis Regina, tackling bossa nova oldies and more modern compositions (many courtesy of Italian album producer Nicola Conte) with a brash, headstrong approach, subsuming many of the melodies to a propulsive, muscular sensibility. Works for me, mostly -- she has a nice enough voice and the arrangements are often new enough that you don't feel you're hearing just another bossa standards album. Again, I didn't think this was particularly clubby or danceable, but hey -- what do I know? I'm sure the remix record can't be far behind... In the meantime these relatively straightforward, well-produced renditions will suit most folks just fine.

Get home from a hard day's work, strip off your power suit, fill your glass with pinha colada, lay your tired body down on a hammock in the shade and listen to this girl's voice. It's dreamy, warm, spicy, soothing, exciting. And the bossa nova and drum'n'bass rhythms in the music bring you saudade and fills you with an urge to take the first plane out to Rio de Janeiro and go dance yourself silly on the Ipanema beach. Refreshing, entertaining, this record has been the perfect soundtrack for my July 4 garden party. And for the night too...

I never know what kind of reaction I'll have when listening to an album. Most of the time, I expect that the album will suck. (Yes, I am that pessimistic.) Anyway, around the time I picked up Rosalia's album, I had just finished Nicola Conte's "Bossa Per Due" at the time. I was disappointed with that album, so I wasn't really sure that I would dig Rosalia's album when I learned that Conte was behind the project.

I was wrong. This album is fantastic. Rosalia's voice is sweet, charming, quirky, and lady-like. "Maira Moita," is one of my favorite songs off the album. Rosalia's a wonderful performer. And, I have to give kudos to Nicola Conte for the stellar arrangements on this album. He also brought new life to the Powell classic "Canto De Ossanha" and Veloso's "Saudosismo."

On a side note - I've heard three versions of "Canto De Ossanha" performed recently by three modern albums - Daude (who does a great catchy reinterpretation r&b/pop version of the song) and Paula Morelenbaum (whose album I adore - but fails at her interpretation because it sounds cartoonish) and Rosalia's whose version is closest to original version. Her interpretation is classic, beautiful, and wonderful.

I adore Rosalia, who is definitely among the top of the modern day Brazilian divas! I highly recommend this album.

There are very few CDs that from the first cut to the last I love. This CD is amazing - Rosalia's voice is silky smooth and floats above the percussive tracks like a cloud. DJ/producer Nicola Conte produced the album in a very sophisticated style. I first heard a cut from the CD on Garth Trinidad's show on KCRW and I had to find the CD. I was not disappointed! Do yourself a favor and buy it today!

There are very few CDs that from the first cut to the last I love. This CD is amazing - Rosalia's voice is silky smooth and floats above the percussive tracks like a cloud. DJ/producer Nicola Conte produced the album in a very sophisticated style. I first heard a cut from the CD on Garth Trinidad's show on KCRW and I had to find the CD. I was not disappointed! Do yourself a favor and buy it today!

The handiwork of Nicola Conte is all over Rosalia De Souza's debut album, Garota Moderna. There are plenty of Italian jazz flourishes over the tracks, sprinkled on generously like freshly grated Parmesan cheese over a steaming bowl of pasta. De Souza's voice is light and gentle, perfectly suited to the quick and easygoing rhythms that Conte lays down for her. A few tracks, like "Saudosismo," go for a more relaxed attitude, rather than for a samba. A little more than half the tracks are remakes, but Conte shows that he's comfortable arranging others' tracks for maximum enjoyment. Garota Moderna is irrepressibly sunny, from "Bossa 31" to the beach-ready "Ipanema." Plenty to enjoy here!