Title : Morelenbaum (2)/Sakamoto: Casa (Tribute to Jobim)
Author : Jobim, Antonio Carlos
Release Date : 20020820
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $17.98
Amazon.com Price : $13.49
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Editorial Reviews : 'Casa' is the Portuguese word for 'house.' It's also the title of this melodic and moving tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim by the Oscar® and Grammy award-winning pianist-composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, Brazilian cellist Jaques Morelenbaum, and his vocalist wife, Paula. The Morelenbaums, who cofounded Quarteto Jobim-Morelenbaum, both worked with the maestro, and almost all of the tracks here were recorded in Jobim's Rio home. The CD contains fluid and florid renditions of bossa nova-era classics from the Jobim canon, from 'Amor em Paz'--with Jobim's son Paulo on guitar--and 'Bonita' to 'Vivo Sonhando.' It also unveils rare songs like 'Chanson pour Michelle,' a short and sweet composition written for a soap opera, and a never-before-heard work, 'Tema para Ana,' an intimate piano/cello duet. Sakamoto's spare and splendid pianisms ring from Jobim's piano. Morelenbaum's singing cello tones complement his wife's angelic Portuguese and English vocals. Together this talented trio--with occasional accompaniment by percussionist Marcos Suzano, guitarist Luiz Brasil, vocalist Ed Motta, and bassist Zeca Assumpçao--beautifully exposes the French influences of Satie, Ravel, and Chopin in Jobim's music.
Buyer Reviews : ...and I was sure that the Morelenbaums couldn't easily top their previous album (QUARTETO JOBIM-MORELENBAUM). This new release finds Paula and Jacques joined by the amazingly talented Japanese pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto -- and if you think that's an inappropriate addition, wait until you hear this beautiful recording. Sakamoto's work has long been considered some of the best around -- his soundtracks alone are enough to cement his place in music's hall of hallows -- and his creativity and sensitivity are well-spent on these tunes by Brazil's legendary songwriting master, Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Paula's vocals are stunning in their emotion and loveliness, and Jaques' cello is perfect in every way. There are several notable 'guests' on the recording as well: Paulo Jobim, a member of the aforementioned Quarteto, adds his tasteful guitar work; Ed Motta duets with Paula on vocals on one track; Luiz Brasil is along on guitar; Zeca Assumpcao delivers on bass; and the astonishing (but never overpowering) touches of Marcos Suzano on percussion complete the mix.
My only (minor) complaint about the track selections is the inclusion of the final track, a live improvisation. While it showcases the imaginations and musical telepathy shared by Jaques and Ryuichi, it's a little cacophonous for the rest of the material -- but it's definitely not enough to compel me to drop my rating of this fine recording below its well-deserved 'five stars'.
