Customer Reviews

The Bonfa Magic

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In the jargom of music business, "genius" is a term often bandied about but rarely witnessed. The one-of=akind genius that was Luiz Bonfa was captured as never before in "The Bonfa Magic", a gorgeous album recorded in 1991. Old hits revisited (Manha de Carnaval, Almost in Love, Sofisticada) and haunting new songs (Subtle Samba, Ruth's Waltz, Smooth Dreams) are performed by Bonfa with an excellent all-Brazilian rhythm section. Some tracks include subtle additional arrangements by producer Arnaldo DeSouteiro, with solo spots by Gene Bertoncini, Thiago DeMello and Marcio Montarroyos. Get it soon before it goes out-of-print.

There is no question that Luiz Bonfa is probably, along with Jobim, the most important composer of the Brazillian Bossa Nova movement. His genius is still intact and this CD demonstrates that fact to great effect. However, the magic of this CD is marred to some extent by heavy handed string arrangements by Arnaldo De Soutiero. Although many of the arrangements are very effective the unnecessary heavy use of strings and horns in places detract from the true beauty of Bonfa's music. In spite of this annoyance there still are some brilliant moments on this CD(eg Smooth Dreams, Rio Acima). I just wish there could be a remix for those of us who like our Bonfa without the heavy syrup.

A better example of Bofa's work would be the wonderful Non-Stop to Brazil (1989), with Gene Bertoncini on guitar and Cafe on percussion.

Luis Bonfa is one of those artists that can 'do no wrong'. I've listened to him since the 60's. His suave guitar renderings combined with the Brazilian magic are worth the anticipation!