From the first few notes of her sixth album Vasconcelos leaves us in no doubt that she is one of the most sophisticated Brazilian artists to have made the UK's shores her home. During her 15 years there she has carved out a highly rewarding niche with her jazz-orientated take on MPB (popular music of Brazil), her understanding of Brazilian music perhaps even sharpened by the geographic distance she has put between herself and her homeland. Her voice remains as charming as ever whilst displaying further nuances that come with maturity. The opening track, "Nega Deleite" is a fantastic example - a lovely 'sambossa' groove is overlaid by her playful vocals, and you just know she is having a great time singing this music.
Throughout the album she weaves an intricate lyrical tapestry - the title-track being a fine example - whilst her Anglo-Brazilian band drive her music forward with no danger of becoming over-sentimental. Later in the album she is joined by Robert Wyatt, a musician who utterly transformed the late 60s psychedelic scene, for two mixed-language collaborations, "Out of the Doldrums' and 'Still in the Dark'. Vasconcelos' latest album is her most self assured and accomplished to date.
D J Cliffy - March 2008
Throughout the album she weaves an intricate lyrical tapestry - the title-track being a fine example - whilst her Anglo-Brazilian band drive her music forward with no danger of becoming over-sentimental. Later in the album she is joined by Robert Wyatt, a musician who utterly transformed the late 60s psychedelic scene, for two mixed-language collaborations, "Out of the Doldrums' and 'Still in the Dark'. Vasconcelos' latest album is her most self assured and accomplished to date.
D J Cliffy - March 2008