Carlos Barbosa-Lima: Carioca (2006)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: February 5, 2006

As guitarist Carlos Barbosa-Lima interprets the songs of Central and South American composers both classic and contemporary, he creates a lovely album of soft, tropical harmony. Ethereal in its mood and graceful in its dancing rhythms, Carioca represents a casual panorama of Rio de Janeiro.

In Barbosa-Lima's hands, the acoustic guitar carries a wide-ranging expression that allows him to persuade convincingly without ever raising his "voice. Samba de Orfeu takes us for a leisurely stroll along amicable city streets during Carnaval, while Desafinado allows room for kicking back and relaxing with someone special. He interprets "One Note Samba with a light spirit that adheres intuitively to its original conception.

Due for release on Valentine's Day, the album is all about romance. It manifests an everlasting love for the culture of Rio, as well as the romantic songs that have inspired us. Romance simmers gently in the sunshine of a costal community. "Poema de Amor drifts slowly with the ocean's tide. Barbosa-Lima's interpretation of "Carioca meanders quietly around Rio's cobblestone streets, searching for answers.

Danny Rivera sings "Renunciar, "Entre Guitarra y Voz and "La Voz del Güiro with a "Latin lover's inspiration. In Spanish, he delivers each of these slow ballads passionately with his heart worn on his shirtsleeve. "Canciones de amor, he sings, and we know that's what makes the music of Rio de Janeiro so special. With Carioca, Barbosa-Lima shares his love for choro, chorinho, samba and bossa nova: the traditional music of Brazil.

Track Listing: Cochichando; Passeio No Rio; Carioca; Carinhoso; Samba de Orfeu; Um Amor de Valsa; Um a Zero; Desafinado; Romance; Brejeiro; Renunciar; Entre Guitarra y Voz; Soy; Odeon; Poema de Amor; Samba de uma Nota S�; Lorena; La Voz del G�iro.

Personnel: Carlos Barbosa-Lima: acoustic guitar; Duduka da Fonseca: percussion; Nilson Matta: acoustic bass; Danny Rivera: vocals; Marcelio Lopes: mandolin.

Record Label: Zoho Music
Style: Latin/World