Customer Reviews

From Paris to Rio

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I do not speak French; my understanding of the lyrics is limited to "Par-reee." My Portuguese is as bad but because of the similarity to Spanish I can pick up on a word every now and never. That said I can say that I love this disc without understanding what the lovely voice of Karrin Allyson is singing about, except her ventures into English. It is a feeling one gets from listening to this CD that is infectuous, the music gets under your skin and the samba makes you shuffle your feet without moving. Without a doubt part of the success of this disc is the outstanding musicianship of the band members who lend their talents to create a superb international jazz outing. The accordian and accoustic guitars sound so nice you've got to hear them more than twice; the blending of basic jazz instruments stripped to their most simple accoustic level is the essence of good jazz. The outstanding jazz musicians aside , the real star of this disc is the voice of Karrin Allyson. On track #6, "Plasir d' Amour" (The Pleasure of Love) there is a string arrangement by members of the Kansas City Symphony that gives the song a "classy" sound as the violins, viola and cello compliment the stellar voice of Karrin Allyson. On "Parisian Throughfare" the band and voice of Allyson soar to new heights as the scat singing takes the music to another jazz level as each member alternates solos between her vocalese. I don't know enough to comment on her treatment of Edith Pilaf's "Des Histoires" but I can say that the simplicity and tenderness comes across respectively. My personal tastes tend to favor the Portuguese songs and just happen to be dominant as eight of the recordings come by way of Rio, whereas only five come by way of Paris and curiously one from Italy. Again on the Italian track, "That Day," adapted from "Cinema Paradiso" Karrin Allyson is backed by the strings and her voice is just exquisite; it is relaxing and soothing in a running credits end of movie sort of way. The song is a perfect ending to a great disc much like a good movie that leaves you emotionally drained. This is another great disc by one of the brightest and most underrated voices in jazz circles today. If you like this disc check out her other albums too; maybe it is just me but she has a very sexy and seductive voice, but make no doubt about it , she is very good.

Karrin Allyson is one talented singer. Anyone who can sing jazz in three different languages is to be commended. I have to say the "O Pato (The Duck)" is the best song on the CD. I plan to indoctrinate my kids into jazz in the future by singing this with them! She can scat pretty well, and handle romantic french/portugese songs with class.

I don't usually write online reviews but after buying this CD, I must say that I love it from beginning to end. The first song I heard from this CD was "My Little Boat" while listening to a local jazz station. I wrote down her name and the title of the song so I could look her up later and I'm glad I did. After listening to a few samples online, I went out on a limb and purchased this CD. I can play it from beginning to end without any skipping. IT'S THAT GOOD! I'm no jazz expert but her voice is so clear and her pitch is right on. This album totally transports me away from the stress of living in the city and relaxes me whenever I need to "get away" but can't. Her voice is like silk!

I first heard Karrin Allyson by way of her 2001 release BALLADS: REMEMBERING JOHN COLTRANE. I was extremely impressed with her work there, and decided I needed to explore her a little more. This wonderful recording has drawn me inexorably into her fold.

I speak only a little French, and VERY little Portuguese, so I can't speak to the accuracy of her phrasing in these languages -- the minor faux pas described (albeit respectfully) by another reviewer don't present any stumbling blocks to my enjoyment of this cd.

Karrin possesses a remarkable voice -- her pitch is dead-on, her expression of emotion unabashed, her feeling for this style of singing perfect -- through which an obviously sensitive soul makes its presence known to the listener. It's thrilling to hear a jazz singer that has so much to offer, with the maturity to deliver it honestly, without pretentions.

She has chosen a wonderful group of songs for this outing -- some of the best romantic works that France and Brazil have gifted to the world through such talented songwriters as Jacques Brel, Baden Powell, Vincius de Moraes, Ivan Lins, Caetano Veloso and the great Antonio Carlos Jobim. Placing this material with great love and respect in the hands of a small, immensely talented group of accompanying musicians, she has delivered an album of quality and beauty.

I've had this recording for two weeks now, and I'm having great difficulty in removing it from my cd player...but I'm not complaining.

Te amo, Karrin...

I've watched Karrin perform material like this in front of an audience who had no idea who she was or what she did and she held them in their seats. She loves the widest ranges of music and really takes us on a musical journey with this recording.

I just purchased this disk and am floored at the vocal abilities of Karrin Allyson. I've been a big fan of everyone from Astrud Gilberto to Chrystal Bell to the Paris Trio, and this disk bests them all. Track four, O Pato, earns a lighthearted place amongst the jazz greats of history. It's worth every penny and then some.

This was my introduction to Karrin Allyson, and after one listen got me hooked. Great delivery and voice. I'll definitely be picking up more of her work!

Nice voice, but why changing the verses of the song "Ne me quitte pas"??? The song was beautiful before this version, I am a Jacques Brel fan, and have heard different singers singing this great song. I have to say I was disappointed with this one! The French seems forced, and I missed the forgotten verses; however the music was arranged and performed beautifully. "Sous le Ciel de Paris" was adequate, "Des Histoires" was much better sung, more a la "Piaf", The rest of the cd is great to listen to, I liked the deeper voice in the "Bachianas Brasileiras". I also like the Portuguese songs, I felt that Karrin Allyson was more "at home" with them. In general the music is "Magnifique"!

This CD blends both French and Brazilian material, venturing beyond the traditional borders of jazz ~ never fear, you'll enjoy every track with a new sense of musical adventure.

Thrown in for good measure ~ "THAT DAY" (an adaptation of "Cinema Paradiso" composed by Ennio Morricone, with lyrics by Stan Dunn), so moving, that Dunn could hear Karrin singing this underlying theme expressing ~ "Love is worth the loss - whatever you must pay". Remember the Pat Metheny/Charlie Haden instrumental version, an instant beautiful classic.

A big thank you to ~ Nick Phillips (producer) ~ Karrin Allyson & Bill McGlaughlin (associate producers) ~ Glenn Barros & John Burk (executive producers) ~ George Horn (mastered) ~ Ron Ubel (recording/mix engineer) ~ and Concord Jazz sharing this wonderful album that gives the insight to another side of this great jazz musician ~ KARRIN ALLYSON!

Also available by Karrin on Concord: "Daydream" (CCD-4773-2), "Collage" (CCD-4709), "Azure-Te`" (CCD-4641), "Sweet Home Cookin'" (CCD-4593) and "I Didn't Know About You" (CCD-4543).

Total Time: 67:47 on 14 Tracks...Concord Jazz CCD-4865-2...(1999)

While I was looking for some new music on Amazon, I found this CD and I just HAD to have it. It's just fabulous! I never realized just how good Brazilian and French jazz could be. I totally disagree with [whoever said] Ms. Allyson sounds like she is an American speaking French (in some places) and yet she sounds French in others. Her French is impeccable. Each song is moving and either makes you melancholy and pensive ("Ne me quitte pas") or makes you want to slink and groove across the room ("O Pato"!) I also loved "Parisian Thoroughfare" (strictly scat) and the aria on track 13. This is great stuff folks! It's amazing that we haven't heard from her more. If you're looking for something different to add to your jazz collection or you're just starting out with jazz-you CAN'T go wrong with this.