Primorosos is a Portuguese adjective that translates as “exquisite” or “tasteful.” It’s the kind of word that gently slides off one’s tongue and one that perfectly describes Mafalda Minnozzi’s latest album release, Riofonic. As one might surmise, it is a recording that features the musical breezes of Terra do Brazil in abundance as fourteen selections are offered featuring both classic and novel fare.
The
opener, Rio presents an effervescent bossa
groove with Minnozzi covering the Menescal/Boscoli original superbly in her
adopted tongue. Her engaging voice invites and Paul Ricci’s guitar delights on
it. One of the genre’s Jobim-composed classics, Corcovado is given a slower-than-usually-recorded tempo and Minnozzi
lays back beautifully, melding time with lyric. Menescal, joining in and singing
in octave unison with Minnozzi is a romantic touch. Her sustained vocal ending adds
suspense. Só Danςo
Samba has Minnozzi covering the Jobim/De Moraes piece in a joyous take.
There are both acoustic and electric guitar solos here by Ricci and Menescal
respectively. Minnozzi’s scat outtake is slick. This is a highlight cut.
Marcelo
Martin’s soprano sax introduces Paul Ricci’s original light bossa, Café South American Style. Minnozzi’s
delivers her own written English lyrics as Martin flitters around her. It is tasteful,
easy-to-like track. Telefone is a
marvelously playful Menescal original, a faster, punctuated piece that is reminiscent
of an early 60s advert. Minnozzi and Menescal are “butterflies” vocally
flittering back-forth with trombonist Rafael Rocha adding a killer solo. Another
highlight track this. The balladic Tu Si
Na Cosa Grande from Domenico Medugno (of Grammy-winning Volare fame) and R. Gigli, has Minnozzi satin
smooth whisper-serenading her lover in her native Italian over Ricci’s guitar. It
is a beautiful romantic track. Vocé
is a tasteful bossa (offering a Freddie
the Freeloader opening vibe) with Minnozzi and Menescal presenting a lovely
back and forth. Paul Ricci’s guitar solo here is superb.
Marcelo
Martin’s soprano sax introduces Paul Ricci’s original light bossa, Café South American Style. Minnozzi’s
delivers her own written English lyrics as Martin flitters around her. It is tasteful,
easy-to-like track. Telefone is a
marvelously playful Menescal original, a faster, punctuated piece that is reminiscent
of an early 60s advert. Minnozzi and Menescal are “butterflies” vocally
flittering back-forth with trombonist Rafael Rocha adding a killer solo. Another
highlight track this. The balladic Tu Si
Na Cosa Grande from Domenico Medugno (of Grammy-winning Volare fame) and R. Gigli, has Minnozzi satin
smooth whisper-serenading her lover in her native Italian over Ricci’s guitar. It
is a beautiful romantic track. Vocé
is a tasteful bossa (offering a Freddie
the Freeloader opening vibe) with Minnozzi and Menescal presenting a lovely
back and forth. Paul Ricci’s guitar solo here is superb.
Minnozzi’s
voice has all of the language skill, vocal timbre and approach that makes her
ideal for this genre. She is not a belter, but, hers an elegant, engaging vocal
instrument. She’s lithe, joyous, and filled with caressing sunlight. Menescal
is a mirror image and never overbears. Paul Ricci’s guitar work is superb and
the rhythm section and accompanying musicians are as well.
Ricci’s
original Postcard from Rio is a
swayer with a full horn section behind Minnozzi. Jesse Sadoc, Rafael Rocha, and
Marcelo Martins each offer brief, but, standout solo statements. The rhythm
section burns. The Gentle Rain is a
slow, somber shower with Minnozzi backed by Jacques Morlenbaum’s cello – a
classy touch. The vibe here is darker and less vibrant than as usually
presented. The horn section resurrects on Se
É Tarde Perdoa, an upbeat selection Minnozzi scats in unison. Trumpeter, Jessé Sadoc offers a terrific Bop-ish solo.
Riofonic is a tasteful,
excellently presented portrait of the genre, framed by a fine singer, her male
counterpart and premium supporting cast. While almost half of the selections
are familiar – and covered so – overall, it will certainly please listeners
looking for luscious Brazilian delights. Rating: 4/5 Stars.
Rio; Corcovado; Só Danςo Samba; Cade South American Style; Eu E a Brisa; O Barquinho; Telefone; Tu Si Na Cosa Grande; Vocé; Postcard from Rio; The Gentle Rain; Garota De Ipanema; Se É Tarde Perdoa; Água De Beber.
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