Ivan Lins: My Heart Speaks

Ivan Lins is a Brazilian music legend and multiple Latin Grammy Award winner who has consistently delivered a unique blend of bossa nova, jazz and pop throughout his career. In this first release in over ten years, entitled My Heart Speaks, Lins performs rare gems from his catalogue backed by the Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra along with guest appearances from vocalists Dianne Reeves, Jane Monheit and newcomer Tawanda, as well as trumpeter Randy Brecker.

The 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.