Customer Reviews

San Francisco

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Wow! How can I be the first to review this? IMO, it is one of the very best c.d.'s of 2008, and may well end up being the best.

Fleurine (aka Mrs. Brad Mehldau) is bilingual (Dutch-English), but certainly is not Brazilian. Yet, many American jazz singers long to do at least one album of Bossa tunes, essentially borrowing from the Jobim songbook, and do so. To my ears, nobody has done it better than Fleurine.

Although there is one Jobim tune here ("Memories in Black and White," track 4), by and large what you have here are tunes written by a number of people, principal of which is the wonderful guitarist on this date, Chico Pinheiro. (BTW, he and the other guitarist, Freddie Bryant, sound every bit as good as Laurindo Almeida!) The songwriters by and large, coincidentally, have the first name of Francisco (e.g., Chico) or Francis; hence the name of the c.d. (which has nothing to do with the city where Ghirardelli Square and Coit Tower are located).

Fleurine supplies the words to 5 of the songs, and does an exquisite translation of Portuguese in each case. Each song captures "saudade" quite brilliantly.

The best thing about this recording, though, is Fleurine's voice. Really, I cannot point to any "highlights," because the whole thing is a highlight. Throughout, Fleurine sounds pure, bright, and focussed. Consistently, this sounds like music from the Gods, or in this case, the Goddesses.

Again, how can I be the first to review this? America, what are you listening to? Wake up and buy this c.d., already! RC

Fleurine knows how to put together a great band to accent her songs and interpretations. Her recent recording has many goose bump moments, and I am particularly impressed by her ability in record making while raising a family of three. Wow! A great singer of song, written or interpreted. Pick up a copy of 'San Francisco' and see for yourself.