Customer Reviews

Quarteto Jobim-Morelenbaum

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anyone with the slightest interest in Brazilian music should own this CD. It's dreamy and intense at the same time... the music is so compelling that it demands your full attention, no matter how many times you listen to it. A rare achievement.

Tom Jobim's incredible legacy could not have been more lovingly and fittingly preserved as in this recording. This stunningly talented group of musicians is uniquely qualified for this vital project -- it includes two members of his family [son Paulo on guitar and vocals, grandson Daniel on piano and vocals] and two stellar musicians who worked with Tom during his final years [Jacques Morelenbaum on cello and Paula Morelenbaum on vocals]. Together, they bring out all of the best qualities of Antonio Carlos Jobim's art -- the rhythms, the melodies, the spirit of his music -- without drowning it in over-arranged elevator music production values.

The recording here is as perfect as it could possibly be -- every instrument and voice is clearly heard. The arrangements are sparse and delicate, yet amazingly full at the same time. Aside from the musicians mentioned above, only light drums and percussion are added on these tunes -- and acoustic bass, only on three tracks. There is nothing to 'get in the way' -- the beauty of these songs shines through wonderfully.

There are several here that are Jobim classics -- but then, almost everything he wrote should probably be included in that category -- 'Aqua de beber', 'Meditacao', 'A felicidade', 'Corcovado', 'Desafinado', 'Aguas de Marco'. Every track on the cd is first-rate. My hope is that there are other collections to follow. The Quarteto has dedicated itself to Tom's music -- if there comes a time when this realm is expanded, I feel certain that the results will be just a enjoyable.

This cd would be absolutely perfect as a gift to introduce a friend to the wonders of Brazilian music...

In the production of wine, the French subscribe to the concept of terroir, the cumulation of the geographical, and heriditary which best encapsulates the spirit of the product. One suspects that some terroir is alive and well in this album.

With the Jobim heirs (son Paulo on guitar and grandson Daniel on vocals and piano), and Paula and Jacques Morelenbaum on vocals and cello respectively this recent production captures the spirit of the bossa.

One significant improvement over A. C. Jobim's work is the notable absence of string embellishment used to death in the 60s (think Wes Montgomery), to be replaced by the very expressive and brooding organic feel of Morelenbaum's cello. J. Morelenbaum's expressive work is also heard more recently on Ryuichi Sakamoto's minimalist 1996 album.

That being said, the production is slick, and slightly lacking in the down to earth feel of A.C. Jobim's less rhythmic legato feel and Astrud Gilberto's "slightly off key" singing. The feel is very "on the money" and driving. Daniel's vocals hits you with a sense of deja vu... is that grandfather Jobim buried somewhere in his voice? Influences from this album range from the parent bossa to classical.

This is probably how A.C. Jobim would've launched the bossa wave if he decided to do so in this era. A superlative work which will liberate A.C. Jobim's work from the confines of elevator muzak.

This CD is comprised entirely of Antonio Carlos Jobim's works, sans his over-played Girl from Ipanema. The quartet has a light but soulful, at times melancholy voice, and the cello is an unusual but lovely addition to the traditional bossa nova ensemble. Not as utterly perfect as the classic Stan Getz-Joao Gilberto album, but this album gives you good value for money and is an ideal mood-setter for that sultry afternoon at the beach.

Since A.C.J. ultimately death some years ago, there have been countless records on the market playing tribute to Brazil`s most popular composer, pianist and singer of all times. His numerous recordings from the man who wrote "THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA" have made music history.
But now comes a production called "QUARTETO JOBIM-MORELENBAUM". And this is not just another tribute to the late Jobin. It is simply the best recording ever, because it even sounds better than any other the maestro ever did !
Jaques Morelenbaum, one of the most gifted cellist in the world has often played with Jobin, but also with many other brasilian artists, such as Caetano Veloso. Together with Jobim`s sons, Daniel and Paulo and his wife Paula Morelenbaum he created a cd containing 13 all time greats by Jobim. I am sure Tom Jobim would have loved the outcome of this CD, although for reasons unknown one song has been omitted, wich actually started his fame "THE GIRL FROM IPANEMA".

A sweet tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim which features his son, grandson, and former cellist and bandleader Jaqcues Morelenbaum, as well as Paula Morelenbaum, who serves as the group's chanteuse, trading vocal duties with the Jobim lads. Spanning the breadth of Jobim's career, these songs are all bossa nova standards, but pleasantly and flawlessly rendered... Morelenbaum -- one of the most well-rounded musicians imaginable -- perfectly captures the elegance and concise beauty of Jobim's work. This is a beautiful, solid record, and will certainly grow on you with every listen. (By the way, if you have the chance to see this ensemble perform, don't hesitate -- they are even more stunning and sublime live!)

Whether it's with Gismonti, Veloso or Sakamoto, Jaques Morelenbaum has always delivered profound performances. This is recording is no different. The only thing that makes it surpass his normal high standard is that these songs were gems from the master himself : Jobim.

A must have for those who want to know what great music is.

I picked up this CD while I was in Brazil last year, and I fell in love! I bought one for each of my sisters (3), one for my parents, and one for a singer I work with. I never tire of this CD, it is gorgeous.

I was fortunate to find this CD at Borders. It's awesome. If you're into old-school bossa nova, this will whet your appetites because the Quarteto stays true to A.C. Jobim's original flavor, but they make his music sound even more fresh. The vocalists are also good; their voices blend so well together. It's a good purchase!

I didn't know that I liked this kind of music but bought the CD after watching the DVD of the film Black Orpheus. I have been almost constantly listening to it since then. The songs are lovely; the musicianship is spirited but flawless. There are so many moments of extreme elegance and charm that listening to it becomes an almost visceral experience. It doesn't matter that I can't understand the lyrics, the feeling in the music easily transcends language. Not a molecule of sound has been misplaced.