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Ivan Lins: My Heart Speaks
ByThe eleven songs in this recital feature Lins' expressive vocal style, drawing listeners into his music's heart, beginning with "Renata Maria." This effusive ballad was made all the more enjoyable by a combination of Lins' expressive voice floating over the rich tapestry of the orchestral strings. While the wording is not entirely the same as the album title, "The Heart Speaks" is considered the title track and features vocalist Dianne Reeves. The English lyric by Jane Monheit, which has a poetic turn of phrase, is given a powerful, confident reading by Reeves.
Tawanda, who has been a winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition but is still a relative newcomer to the jazz world, offers her interpretation of "I'm Not Alone." The English lyrics are by Will Jennings and are treated with sensitivity, brightness and a pensive reflection by Towanda. "Easy Going" is, as the name implies, a soft swinger with Lins vocalizing the theme along with a synthesized trombone. The infectious rhythmic drumming is by Mauricio Zottarelli. Although Lins never knew Miles Davis, he wanted to acknowledge one of jazz's most gifted and influential trumpet players, so he penned "Missing Miles." He hums the line in unison with guitarist Leonardo Amuedo in this stunning portrait. When Randy Brecker comes in, he is on muted trumpet and delivers his contribution with a quietness of playing.
Throughout the album, it will become clear that Lins is not only a gifted singer but a composer whose songs tell stories and convey emotions with a poetic touch, which is appreciated even without understanding Portuguese. The last of the guest artist tracks is "Rio" (Rio de Maio), featuring Jane Monheit, and she exhibits impeccable taste in this interpretation while inhabiting the melodic style without rigidity. The closing number is "Nada Sem Você," in which Lins' velvety warm voice shows that the sly maestro seeks out unexpected corners within established musical relationships.
Track Listing
Renata Maria; The Heart Speaks; Nao Ha Porque; I'm Not Alone; Congada Blues; E Isso Acontece; Easy Going; Corpos; Missing Miles; Rio(Rio De Maio); Nada Sem Você.
Personnel
Ivan Lins
keyboardsDianne Reeves
vocalsJane Monheit
vocalsTowanda
vocalsRandy Brecker
trumpetJoshua Nelson
pianoLeonardo Amuedo
guitarAnthony Wilson
guitarCarlitos del Puerto
bass, electricMauricio Zottarelli
drumsAdditional Instrumentation
The Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra
Album information
Title: My Heart Speaks | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Resonance Records
Comments
Tags
Ivan Lins
Album Review
Pierre Giroux
Braithwaite & Katz Communications
My Heart Sings
Resonance Records
Dianne Reeves
Jane Monheit
Tawanda
randy brecker
Mauricio Zottarelli
Miles Davis
Leo Amuedo
Concerts
Jan
17
Fri