Rosa Passos

Amorosa

SK 92068

Rosa Passos, vocals and guitar; Helio Alves, piano; Paulo Paulelli, bass; Paulo Braga, drums; Cyro Baptista, percussion. Guests: Paquito D'Rivera, clarinet; Rodrigo Ursaia, tenor saxophone; Henri Salvador, vocals

Brazilian bossa nova singer and guitar player Rosa Passos pays tribute to Joao Gilberto and his landmark 1977 album Amoroso, Amorosa on her first solo outing for Sony Classical. Rosa includes four songs from that album. Singing mostly in Portuguese she caresses serenely, her understated style is pure and sweet.

The first track " Voce Vai Ver" by Antonio Carlos Jobim is supported by the smoothly buzzing bass of Paulo Paulelli, a tinkling piano from Helio Alves, the grooved saxophone of Rodrigo Ursaia, and velvet percussion which sets the mark for the rest of the CD.

This continues through the next track (also from Carlos Jobim) "Wave" followed with "Besame Mucho" by ConsueloVelazquez, creating a more sumptuous mix by adding strings.

Rosa does slip into English for the Gershwin brother's " 'S Wonderful," sung with a hint of shy vulnerability.

The whole set is finely presented. Rosa places her words with exquisite precision, and there is nothing loud or demonstrative.

A gentle, well sung CD that varies little in style but is full of quality.

By Ferdinand Maylin