Customer Reviews

Jobim

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a brilliant album, but the sound is unfortunately inferior to that of the Brazilian CD version, which bears the original cover and title ("Tom Jobim-Matita Perê"). This version, in comparison, is hiss-filled and not as rich-sounding. That's why it loses a star. Audiophiles are advised to seek out the Brazilian-issued CD instead.

I came across this album in a record store in Frankfurt, Germany back in 1973 or 1974, and bought it primarily because I loved "Mantiqueira Range" so much. After listening to the rest of it a few times I really loved the whole thing. I've been looking for this to come out on CD for years, and I'm glad they finally did it. The music is haunting, wistful, happy...all kinds of things. It's also incurably romantic; great music for having the lights down low...

This is definitely Jobim at his best. On this album from 1973 he introduced one of the loveliest songs ever recorded, Aguas de Marco (Jobim sings it here both in Portugese and English). There are many other favourites, such as lengthy, richly orchestrated piece Cronica de Casa Assassinada or Matita Pere. For those who only know the bossanova side of Jobim this record will be a huge surprise - but what a pleasant one! By all means a classic and a welcome re-release.

It was not long after this LP was released that Coca-Cola used "Aguas de Marco" (Waters of March) for one of its own tv commercials. We are treated to two language versions of that song in this album, along with many other Jobim compositions, all skillfully arranged by Claus Ogerman. I especially enjoyed the film music that is included here. Jobim was a man of many different composing talents, and this album--out of all he recorded--showcases and illustrates this in a perfect way. Definitely a must-have CD for any Jobim fan.

This contains the same numbers as the brazilian album 'Matita Pere', except that there is an english version of 'Aquas De Marco'on this one.

This is a CD reissue of a great album (rel.1973) which I originally had on cassette - and wore it out - it's that good! Admittedly, if you're not a good listener, you may not like it. It's Jobim, himself, backed-up by a top-notch New York studio orchestra. [I actually put it in an orchestral category.] It's amazingly well-orchestrated, conducted and produced by Claus Ogerman, and the orchestra sounds a lot bigger than it is. The arrangements tend to be esoteric and "floating" in nature (I enjoy that). One must be ready to spend time doing nothing except meditating/listening. It's great "rainy day" music - just stare out the window, drink in hand, contemplating nature in your beautiful backyard forest (or ocean, or desert, or what-have-you) and: enjoooyyyyy....

I wasn't as blown away by this album as other Jobim fanatics. While it does contain some excellent songs, like the definitive version of the classic "Aguas De Marco," and the deeply moving, beautiful, and moody "Matita Pere" and "Mantiqueira Range," the rest of the music is a bit too draggy, meandering, and syrupy for me. As I understand it, the idea behind this album was to fuse Jobim's Brazilian melodic sensibilities with a strong dose of Debussy and Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos (both highly influential to Jobim). Several pieces included here were written for films. There are moments where this works beautifully, but it doesn't always create as many sparks as was perhaps envisioned.

As for the film music passages here, some is intermittently interesting, but overall, I much prefer the more melodic work that Ennio Morricone was doing at the time. Also, Jobim does a fair amount of singing here, which can at times be problematic. For those not familiar with Jobim's vocals, he sings in a cool, slightly raspy voice which suits more simple and direct melodies just fine, but on more melodically demanding numbers, he comes off a little flat, and it sounds a bit like being serenaded by your old, slurry, alcoholic uncle. With my own roots in punk rock, I'm usually forgiving of musical or vocal imperfections. But Jobim's vocals, while definitely possessing a unique character, can be occasionally jarring to these ears.

Those seeking more in the vein of Jobim's brilliant "Wave" or "Stone Flower," (my personal Jobim favorites) may find this album a little disappointing. But people wanting to hear a slightly different side to Jobim's work may want to check this out. After all, there *are* a few great songs here. It just doesn't have the dazzling, high-level consistency of some of his previous work, and it does stray a bit from his Bossa Nova roots at times. But who knows, it may grow on me.

THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PIECE OF WORK. IT DEMONSTRATES BEYOND THE SHADOW OF A DOUBT THE GENIUS OF CARLOS ANTONIO JOBIM. WHO EVER LOVES BRAZILIAN MUSIC! THIS CD IS A MUST HAVE!

...very Talented Musician, Haunting, & Memorable. I own the Original Record, and have very "Definite Memories" that are
entwined with the Music. A "Must Have" for any fan of his music!

Jobim is the "man" Ogerman is the "man". Put them together and you have a beautiful listening experience.The "Waters of March" is a very complex song-yet we have Jobim singing his composition both in Portuguese & in English.The arrangements by the great Claus Ogerman are beautiful-and add a great touch to the Jobim songs.