Customer Reviews

Music Inside

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

 

 

I bought this CD on a lark and was stunned the first time I heard it. The very first song, Essential, draws you in with guitar harmonies rooted in Brazilian folk. The CD jumps around as Joyce experiments with versions of a Beatles song (less successful) and ends on more voice harmonies reminiscent of Villa Lobos' Bachiana Brasileira #5(more successful). Joyce makes music that makes the world a better place. This is a must if you like Brazilian Jazz.

While one wants a program with variety, this might be a little too eclectic. These performances feature bossa with American pop influences and some world folk sounds, all with occasional vocal overdubbing.

Interestingly, the rendition of the Beatles' 'Help' is far and away the weakest arrangement on the disc, and Tracy Chapman's 'Talkin' Bout A Revolution' isn't good either.

Now, to the positive: Joyce's own composition 'Mysteries' is a great song. It has the unpredictability (but musical logic) of Jobim's work, and is gorgeously sung by Joyce in a performance of great sensitivity. I first heard this song under the title of 'Misterios' on a Wallace Roney cd of the same name. It received a fine performance and arrangement on Roney's recording and here it's even better.

Joyce's own writing takes up much of this cd. Other than 'Mysteries' the best songs are 'Essential' and 'Belafonte', which is much more Joyce than Harry.

I have yet to hear a recording by this artist which is not worth owning. My recommendation for this one far outweighs any reservations.

Every time you buy a Joyce album, you enter a magic and soothing brazilian journey, and are never disappointed. Joyce has always been a great guitarist and a magnificent singer, and this album is just another great example; please do yourself a favor and add this album to your personal collection as soon as it becomes available, you'll be thankful you did.

p.s. Check also Joyce's guests here:

- Toninho Horta / Guitars - Compositions

- Kenny Warner / Keyboards

- William Galison / Harmonica

- Cafe / Percussion

- Lincoln Goines / bass

and many more.........