Customer Reviews

Me & My Heart

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

 

 

This new CD by Rosa Passos will surely invite comparisons with Joao Gilberto's recent study in understatement "Voz E Violao." It's basically just Rosa and her guitar and fourteen gentle (though rhythmically varied) melodies perfectly suited to her soft expressive voice, which has an insinuating quality not unlike Gilberto's. On the basis of the material and Passos' exquisite singing, I think I would rate this CD 4+ stars, just shy of her "best of" compilation. But that's discounting the presence of Paulo Paulelli on string bass, which takes this CD to another level entirely. While providing a conventional foundation beneath the syncopated pulse of Passos' guitar, Pauletti occasionally deploys his instrument like a second voice, following the melodic line in an oddly-affecting way (listen, for example, to the melancholic lead-in to "Agua Doce"). "Bass vocalese" might be the best way to describe it. In any event, it works wonderfully! Which is why I'm upgrading to 5 stars.

Addendum: I've listened to this CD some 20 or 30 times since I first reviewed it and, if anything, I'm even more enthusiastic about it. The synergy among voice, guitar, and bass (I guarantee you haven't heard bass-playing like this!) is just plain wonderful. It's very consistent from beginning to end--great songs, great singing--and for that reason I would now rate it above Rosa's "best of" compilation. It's traditional bossa nova at its very best.

This is the bossa nova album you were looking for but could never find. No syrupy violins or overproduced arrangements. Just a beautiful voice, guitar, and bass. Also try Rosa Passos Canta Jobim for a " cover album " that surpasses the originals.

Her guitar and her sensuous voice combo is just the best I can ask for. Always puts me in the mood. Best rendition of Jobim music also.

Rosa Passos has done one of her best album.
There won't be any comparision with Joao Gilberto, just because Rosa's style goes in other way, even the sensation looks like the same. Rosa Passos has an excelente notion of the sound that has to be produced, and just do it. As an ensemble, as basic like this, her singing style and rhythm is amazing.
Especially in this cd is the best recording of "Waters of March" (Aguas de Marco), as she became to the edge of the beat, the broken beat, voice, arrangement, and guitar playing (harmony and "inside beat").