Customer Reviews

Maria Rita

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is probably not fair at all to Maria Rita, but when I first heard this I thought I was going to faint; she sounds so much like her mother, it's frightening. It's also comforting in an odd way, almost as if she's channeling her mother. I don't know if that's what she is intending to do. She has wisely stayed away from her mother's standards and definitely has her own style, but the influence is unmistakable. You don't even have to know she's related to Elis to hear Elis in her voice.

The music on its own is excellent and Maria is a very talented vocalist...very smooth. If you enjoy Brazilian music or downtempo music like Norah Jones, you will probably like this...and if you're an Elis fan, you will ADORE it.

I first heard Maria Rita on the radio during my last trip to Brazil, and my initial reaction was to ask my friend, "Is that Elis Regina". After further listening, it became apparent that Maria has her own voice in music, but one thing that she has in common with her mother is that she sings with soul. I came back to the states with the cd as a souvenier, and it has been one of my favorite albums ever since. People probably think I'm crazy, because I can't help but to crank the car stereo and sing along to every word with Maria Rita.

Maria is fantastic, and her band compliments her so well. I really like the acoustic bass, the piano player in the band is extremely tasteful. I would recommend this album to anyone.

I had the good fortune to hear Elis Regina and her genius partner in music and life, Cesar Camargo Mariano in concert. Now we have the fruit of this collaboration, their daughter Maria Rita, born in 1977. She has channeled her mother's voice, and I mean that as a compliment. I love her selection of material and the accompaniment. When I first heard this CD, I was sure her father played on it. Not so. I also am pleased that she is recording Milton Nascimento's material. Elis was one of the first to cover his tunes in the 1960's. In Brazil, they would call her a "porta bandeira," the one carrying on the legacy of her many predecessors.

There's a simple reason behind MARIA RITA recently being awarded a Grammy; her vocals are wonderful even when one does not understand a word of Latin. Maria has a rare vocal gift. The texture of her voice is unique, simple and yet very captivating. The tracks on this CD are very accessible. This is a great option for true music fans to include into their world beat musical library. The CD is rich and unique. Worth purchasing.

I bought this album after listening to about the first couple of seconds of one of her songs. I must say, after listening to her entire album, I was extremely impressed with the talent on this album from both the singer and the musicians. This album has such depth and feeling. I was very moved with it and would recommend it to true music lovers. The kind of lovers who can appreciate REAL music. Not understanding the language is not an obstacle at all. You can feel what she is trying to say. I can see why all the awards for this album. Brilliant, just Brilliant. Bravo Maria!!

I had no idea about Maria Rita's mother, but one listen to this CD and just like Mom, she slips into your ears with that gorgeous velvet luxury.

A friend says she likes it because it is "happy". Yes, also smooth, sophisticated and plays easy with a youthful exuberance.

In fact the Babel comparision is unfair to both as each is working in a different song style. The tunes might be similar but the approaches are very different. For this is bare bones ensemble work. Almost as though they just let the 'tape roll' and recorded. Very old school with little in the way of electronic hints or postproduction editing & plug-ins. Simply just musicians making music with an excellent singer captured by a good microphone.
Completely genuine. Nothing affected here. It is a timeless style.

Also makes for great make-out music.
Dim the lights & light some candles, then press play.

Songs selections are primarily standards with simple tasteful arrangements that allow room for the singer to sing. This album is all about her. Smart move.

Maria Rita seems deep and like a great wine I expect this artist to age very well indeed. I very much look forward to more.

This is not a samba or bossa nova cd--but who cares? It's fantastic.Maria Rita has a smooth,clear ,medium-range voice that brings a loungy feel to her songs.There is an initial bossa beat as an intro to the songs,but they take off from there,some in the bossa beat,and some that sound like great "wee small hours"-type music,esp."Menina da Lua"--there's enough variety that it takes several listenings to get it all.Terrific.

When I heard Elis daughter was about to release a cd I was thinking "what's the big deal? It's just another female singer anyways". Oh my,oh my was I ever wrong! Maria Rita is adorable, so down to earth and she gives me the feeling she's singing directly to each one of us like a very good friend that lives just next door. Very intimate. Maria Rita is the big deal right now: her voice is great, the music selection is great and hope she releases another one soon. Gotta love this MPB style.

Maria Rita might not be her mother (Elis Regina), but she's got a great voice. Her band's playing is top notch, not only for their ability, but for their musicianship and tasteful arrangements. I highly recommend this CD.

I wonder how I would feel, listening to this album, if I'd never heard Elis Regina. It's true, the timbre of Maria's voice is almost identical to her mother's, and she demonstrates the same versatility of genre (bossa, jazz, pop, songs in Spanish, etc.). However, for me, the similarities stop there. Elis's creativity of phrasing and sheer raw passion don't find their way into her daughter's interpretations; Elis was one of a kind. But if you're looking for some pleasant, soothing vocals and great production values, you will find them in this album.