Album review: Mafalda Minnozzi - Riofonic (MPI)

Mafalda Minnozzi (vocals); Roberto Menescal (vocals on 2,6,7,9/acoustic guitar on 1-7,9,12); Paul Ricci (electric guitar all tracks/acoustic guitar on 10,12); Kassin (electric bass (on all tracks except 8,11); Jorge Helder (acoustic bass on 8,11); Joao Cortez (drums, percussion); Jaques Morelenbaum (cello on 11); Rafael Rocha (trombone on7,10,13); Marcelo Martins (tenor sax on 10, 12, soprano sax on 4, flute on 6, alto flute on 5); Jessé Sadoc (trumpet on 10,  flugelhorn on 13).

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. Nick Mondello

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.