CD Review: Carol Bach-y-Rita: Minha Casa (My House)

Carol Bach-y-Rita (vocals); Larry Koonse (guitar); Bill Cantos (piano); John Leftwich (bass); Mike Shapiro (drums, perc); Dudu Fuentes (perc on 1 track).

(Review by Ann Alex)

A fine polished CD of standards and originals by a talented singer and stellar musicians, some of whose names are familiar to me from other items on BSH, not really sure where or when. The cover information includes a basic description of each track, eg Nature Boy,’voice, drum duet, improvised, which is very helpful. A crafty reviewer, (not allowed on BSH!) could have written a review without listening, but that would have meant missing a treat.

Carol Bach-y-Rita has an international outlook, having lived in several countries, and is heavily influenced by Brazilian rhythms.  Her formative years in Northern California included a European tour whilst living in Paris. Work in radio and TV  also sidelined her musical ambitions hence this, I think, being only her second CD.

Now for a rundown of each track.  Morning Coffee (Bill Cantos):  a lively samba with a fast, snappy piano solo, clever lyrics (you're my morning coffee, English breakfast, etc’) and well-blended scat, which fits the tune and is not merely a clever additive.

You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To: with guitar and drums and a slow 6/8 feel

A Night In Tunisia: Scat, percussion and piano, ringing ‘eastern’ guitar and fast words with clever diction.

Tis Autumn: warm guitar, brushed drums, straight-ahead singing.

The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines: (Joni Mitchell/Mingus) done as a samba-reggae

Nature Boy: my favourite track, a fine voice/drum improvisation

Trust: a Bach-y-Rita original, sung to an unusual Maracatu rhythm

Pra Quem Quiser Me Visitar: a pleasant song about heaven in Spanish (or Portuguese?).

Gardening With No Pants: an original by our singer, voice only, and percussion from Fuentes, exciting listening.

Love Look Away: A love song, re-arranged to be a modal version, from major to minor.

While My Lady Sleeps: piano and voice duet, a very romantic ending to a great CD.

Ann Alex.

Now available on, UPC 888295487788 – Samples.