Customer Reviews

Sings the Vinicius De Moraes Songbook

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One of Brazil's greatest voices tackles the back catalogue of one of its greatest songwriters.

Maria Bethânia has carved out a distinctive place for herself amongst the pantheon of Brazilian greats of the last half century.
Her love for the dramatic, the theatrical and the unashamedly romantic has earned her a place in the hearts of a devoted fan-base and today, 40 years after her debut show in Rio set her on the path to stardom, she is still one of the biggest names in Brazilian music.

It is also 40 years since she first met the legendary poet, lyricist and co-founder of the bossa nova movement Vinícius de Moraes, an early supporter with whom she went on to forge an enduring friendship.
To celebrate this double anniversary, Bethânia has produced "Que Falta Você Me Faz" ( this is the original title of the album), a homage to Vinícius that draws on material from across his luminous career, including his near-mythical collaborations with Tom Jobim and Baden Powell.

Typically, Bethânia has sought out material with a dramatic edge. Her selections range from the smooth, confident samba of `Lamento no Morro' to the introspective `O Astronauta'. Her smoky, controlled delivery is complemented perfectly by an expansive musical setting based around sensitive arrangements of piano, guitar and percussion. Unfortunately, the glossy, overwrought strings that Bethânia too often relies upon to provide the emotional punch are also present on many of the tracks, needlessly distracting from the otherwise subtle performances.

"Que Falta..." is at its best on songs such as "Modinha" and the closing "Nature Boy" (with brother Caetano Veloso) when the backing is kept simple, allowing the quality of the songwriting and Bethânia's remarkable voice to shine.
At moments of undeniable beauty such as these, the set borders on perfection.

A celebratory triumph of a poet, songwriter, and performer who embodied a love of life, good company, melody, and the beauty of women and words. Bethania's voice is as remarkable as Vinicius's twin talents for poetry and the pleasures of love. This album somehow manages to out-ballad her great career of balladeering, AND have more energy and pleasure in the "up" sambas as well. Superb and varied arrangement throughout, among the best in modern MPB.

I could listen to Mulher, Sempre Mulher and Tarde em Itapua all afternoon. Actually, I have!

This is the first time in my life that I've fallen in love with a voice.
The soul resonances of her voice, shine the most in her capella interpretetions. Na! Even when she only talks,
there's such a richness of emotions. Sense. Something that tears down human barriers and puts me in
comunion with her fellings. Should I say "erotica" in its finnest. Somethin that goes beyond
music, perhaps eternity?: "the poor people that can't stop crying" This is a great song.
And when she talks to us the legend of Orpheus: "without Euridice...cossa incomprensible"

Thank you Maria. You made me feel human down to my bones.

Maria Bethania in her greatest days. Vinicius de Morais in his most emotional words.
The fabulous meeting of one of the greatest classic piano player and most inspirated woman Maria Joao Pires with bossa nova

Enjoy listening to this old recording..Maria Bethania is an incredible musician and performer..and it is very nice to hear her do the songs of one of her mentors..the inimitable Vinicius de Moraes..