Morelenbaum 2/ Sakamoto

A Day in New York

Sony Classical SK 80018

Ryuichi Sakamoto, piano; Jaques Morelenbaum, cello; Paula Morelenbaum, vocals; Luiz Brasil, guitar; Marcelo Costa, percussion.

Husband and wife Paula and Jaques Morelenbaum are the two and Ryuichi Sakamoto the significant other; all have been friends and collaborators for more than ten years. Here they perform songs of some of Brazil's best Caetano Veloso, Joao Gilberto and Antonio Carlos Jobim. In the hands of this ensemble, how could they go wrong? Opening with Jobim's "Desafinado" you know that a pleasant experience lies ahead. The cello and piano have an understanding, as they strut together in a refined, often delicate style; preparing the opening for Paula Morelenbaum; here we have the icing on the cake; a voice that will make grown men tremble. Singing in Portuguese with a delightfully light voice, sometimes playful, sometimes with affected dignity, her voice garnishes the supporting players and enhances the timbre of their sounds, so that all blend beautifully into the heart of Brazilian expression. Tangos, Sambas and much more, music from the feeling and presented gift-wrapped. The whole set was recorded on one day in November 2002, before they all went their separate ways. We hope not for long; this is music to lift the spirits and lighten the soul; there will always be a place for them on my CD rack.

by Ferdinand Maylin

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