Customer Reviews

A Twist of Jobim

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It was wonderful that Lee Ritenour saw fit to honor the memory of Antonio Carlos Jobim in this manner. He chose some of Jobim's best works, and brought in some great musicians to showcase these works. "Bonita" is and always has been been one of the most haunting songs Jobim ever wrote----here, Dave Grusin is at the top of his game. El DeBarge accompanied by Art Porter on Sax performing "Dindi" really hits you where you live---a big favorite of mine. This entire CD is worth a million bucks. Any fan of Jobim's music Should add this to their collection. It will always bring a smile to your face, and at times tears to your eyes, because you are remembering the days of "The Girl From Ipanema."

If it were possible to rate this CD higher than 5 stars, I'd do it in a heartbeat. One of the very best CD's I have ever owned.

A excellent introduction to the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, this CD is a tribute to the composer of "Girl From Ipanema", featuring mostly American musicians. The instrumentals are my favorites, particularly "Stone Flower" (also covered by Santana on his Caravanserai album; Herbie Hancock steals the show here), "Agua de Beber", "Lamento" and "Mohave". The featured vocalists (Al Jarreau et al) seem to be curious choices and I must admit that Waters Of March and Dindi did not particularly impress me. Girl From Ipanema is also not one of my favorite versions of this song, although Oleta Adams does try her best to capture the Bossa Nova groove. Still, a worthy CD for those who prefer light jazz with a South American feel. Jobim's music is deceptively simple and at the same time amazingly complex; for more authentic versions of Jobim, check out "Wave" and "Tide" by the composer.

As a fan of smooth brazilian jazz, I was stunned when this album was available years ago on the Ensamble of masters behind it.. good relaxing music and atmosphere in it, yet there is something missing.. perhaps I expected more sophistication.. it is pleasent music to pass your caipirinhea..

Each artist adds a different dimension of sound to the core music. Love all the latin jazz rythyms.

This is a fantastic album! Outstanding to relax to or drive to. I have not stopped listening to it since it arrived. A worthy addition to the collection of anyone who appreciates fine music in this genre.

I really enjoyed the interpretations of Al Jarreau and Oleta Adams on this CD of the great music of Jobim. Girl from Ipanema, one of my all time favorites did not disappoint. ...and Waters of March is superb! You're gonna LOVE IT!

Brazilian music by non-Brazilians usually lacks a certain charm and unfortunately, this CD is anything but an exception. The good thing about this CD was that it tributed Jobim and had excellent musicians and songs like Oleta Adams, Al Jarreau and El Debarge. The problems were the remakes of the songs. For example "Waters of March" is very disappointing and even more so annoying-- not Oleta Adams singing style at all. For the time being, stick to the original Jobim/Gilberto/Regina Bossa Nova albums OR try another compilation.

I don't think that every song in this album is fantastic, but overall I give the CD five stars. Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin have always been in love with Brazilian Jazz and Bossa Nova, and many of these Jazzy renditions are excellent ( Cptn. Bacardi, Dindi, Waters of March and even The Girl from Ipanema ). The colaborations are also remarkable; Al Jerrau, El DeBarge, Oleta Adams, Paulinho Da Costa etc.
If you like Jobim, this is a great addition to your collection.

It's ironic this is called a tribute to AC Jobim, one of the greatest composers in modern jazz history, since it's really more an insult to the man's memory.

AC Jobim did not play smooth jazz, and did not write boring music.

This album is great if you like Kenny G, jacuzzis, and buttery chardonnay.