Customer Reviews

Rio Revisited

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I wasn't at the Wiltern Theatre in LA where this was recorded in 1987. However, around this time, I saw a very similar performance in Rio. It was a high point of my life to see one of the greatest songwriters of any age do his wonderful tunes. It is no exaggeration to say that he's in the same league with Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Lennon/McCartney, Jim Webb, etc.

This recording has an intimacy that makes you think you're listening to Tom Jobim at his home. The gentle nature of his music, the acoustic instruments, (especially the wonderful use of cello) and the desifinado (slightly out of tune) nature of his singing all contribute.

Probably the biggest factor is that he's playing with what I presume to be his son, Paulo, on guitar and daughters Ana and Elizabeth singing backup vocals. To add to the family reunion flavor, Danilo Caymmi and Simone Caymmi are also part of the band on flute and vocals. Dorival Caymmi, Danilo's father is considered to be one of the main pillars of Brazilian music, along with Jobim. Jobim and Caymmi often collaborated. So, I'm pretty sure that at least 6 of the 10 band members had long term family ties.

The tunes on the disc are overwhelmingly major Jobim standards. You could argue that most of his best tunes are here. The few more obscure tunes are just as good: Samba Do Aviao is one of my favorite Jobim tunes.

As for Gal Costa, she's a major vocalist in Brazilian music. One of a handful at the top. Her interpretation of Jobim's tunes is wonderful.

Finally, there are many Jobim discs that feature a more American perspective in instrumentation. I'm thinking of Stan Getz or Sinatra or the CTI recordings of Jobim's music. The instruments on this album, especially the aformentioned cello and flute instead of sax, make for a more truly Brazilian sound.

It may be my nostalgia for seeing Jobim live, but I really love this disc.

Although this is a stellar line up of musicians, the recording is terrible.
Don't waste your money.