Customer Reviews

Last Tango In Rio

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

 

 

Gabriela boldly steps away from the more smoooth-jazz style that marked her 1998 WANTING CD. While the earlier album is unlikely to appeal to those who are looking for more progressive sounds (e.g., contemporary Brazilian, acid/jazz groove, etc.). LAST TANGO IN RIO gives Anders' softly emotive voice a more intriguing context. One could argue whether or not she was previously miscast as a smooth jazz singer, but in my opinion if she wants to distinguish herself as an artist, it is going to be via a musical approach such as what is heard here. The presence of such instruments as the bandoneon may win over fans of the likes of contemporary tango group GOTAN PROJECT, while the mixture of acoustic and electric instrumentation -- even with subtle electronica effects at times -- bridges the past with the present effectively. Throughout, RIO has a considerably more homegrown feel than the studio-polished WANTING.

In reading previous reviews I noticed one reviewer who first heard of this album in the L.A. TIMES as I did, but was not happy with the results. While I'm a satisfied customer, this disc may not be for those who are looking for a more traditional jazz vocal approach. Granted, there is a perhaps-confusing "FILE UNDER: JAZZ" reminder on the back cover. Yet Anders' style is much more in line with the current generation of Brazilian singers (Bebel Gilberto, etc.) than with most so-called jazz singers. RIO is nothing like Diana Krall's albums of pop standards, for one. While Anders does interpret a number of pop classics that jazz vocalists have frequently turned to ("Love Is Here To Stay," "Body And Soul"), they are reconfigured to fit Anders' style. The difference is particularly striking on "God Bless The Child," which in my opinion is one of the album's highlights but may be too big of a change for some. To each their own, and in my case RIO is much more in line with what I want to hear than the other Anders album I mentioned.

The guy who tossed this CD gave himself away when he mentioned that this is not what he expects from a jazz artist. Yes, Ms. Anders does interpret things very differently. But who says uniqueness is the precursor of mediocrity? If inventors didn't invent, we'd still be in the stone age. Tell Louis Armstrong that because he was different, he should have just packed it in.

Gabriella's unique approach to a song is tasteful, enveloping, and, yes, at times challenging. But the right kind of "different" she definitely is, from this reviewers perspective.

Bravo to Gabrieala
I LOVE this artist. After hearing that her Warner Bros release had been cancelled (I'm still waiting for it to come out somewhere) I've been hoping to see something from her these past years.
I was not disappointed. Rich in music and cool vibes this release is original and deep. Showing the emotion of Gabriela's vocal and a production that is intelligent and thoughtful.
I have another of her cd's called Latina that a friend gave me as well that Is cool.
The market today is full of cookie cutter artists
Gabrieala is wonderful original temptress.

I don't know who stole from who first, but at least four of Gabriela Anders songs have arrangements and music lifted directly from Bebel Gilberto's Tanto Tempo and Tanto Tempo remixed CDs. One song sounding alike is a coincidence, but four? Either they share a lazy producer, or...

There are a least two songs on this CD that are totally outstanding.Some of the most romantic melodies that I have ever heard. I play these songs over and over... When are you going to make another CD Gabriella ?

After a 5 year wait and the truly fabulous Wanting disc i rushed out and bought this cd without reading any reviews and listening to any of the tracks.What a mistake i made.
It's not a bad cd but is has nothing on Wanting and after a while the accordian sound on every track drives you nuts.
I never realized they were so big on the accordian and the french sound in Rio.The cd should have been called "Last Tango in Paris"

I gave it 5 stars but i truly think it is worth 4 or 4 and a half. I juss had to balance it out because this album is absolutely over 3 stars. This album is laid back and full of musci i could do art to. The guy who gave it one star and threw the album away at one listen is an idiot. I just had to give it five stars incase an innocent person came along and saw the 3 star rating and passed this ceedee. Its definately worth a try.

I purchased this album based on a snippet of a song I heard while browsing on Amazon. It was suggested to me based on previous purchases. I like to stretch my boundaries from time to time and Ms. Anders provided just flavor I didn't even know I wanted. This is what I look for in music, someone not afraid to share their vision with the world. I hope she continues to make music on her terms and not the record companies' presumption of what the people want. We're not all Sheep in a pen waiting to be fed whatever slop they dish out. I like variety in my music. Artists with a soul and a musical vision. Just listening to this album makes me want to visit Argentina.

It's the same Gabriela with the sexy sultry voice singing so smoothly like only she can, but the material is just not there. Wanting was an excellent CD there was not one bad track on the CD, Last Tango only has one good track "Love is Here to Stay", the rest are way below acceptable.

I have to completely disagree with the reviewer who said she was miscast as a smooth jazz singer, just listen to her voice, she is the definition of smooth jazz.

Anders'first album was a DNA match for Sade, but much more for the songs, band and arrangements than for her just barely on-key voice. I must give props for taste here, as the the players on this and the last Anders CDs are first-rate, and they groove wonderfully. However, if Gabriella Anders didn't look like she does (she's gorgeous!), she'd be playing a Holiday Inn in Yonkers. I gave the CD 3 stars, 1 for Anders and 5 for her Way-Out-Of-Her-League band.