Douyé: Quatro Bossa Nova Deluxe

Sultry songstress Douyé takes listeners by the hand and assuredly leads them through an enchanting and intoxicating stroll amidst the rich sounds of Brazil and the percussive shimmer of Africa. This sixteen-song effort is heartfelt and glides impeccably with a mood-enhancing glow. Throughout Quatro, Douye rides the crest of instrumental ripples that touch the shoreline with finesse and tenderness. A brilliant enclave of notable and accomplished jazz musicians adds their collective talents to an array of ensembles. Their buoyancy and fiber are at one with Douyé's innately sophisticated phrasing, connecting adroit musical passages with lyrical and captivating vocal interpretations. Her inherent artistry is softly yet boldly evident, as warmth and creativity line the path of a delightful and charismatic outing taking the listener on a journey to a world that can be joyfully visited again and again.

While paying homage to the popularity of bossa nova in the '50s and '60s, Quatro brings a modern sensibility to 21st century audiences. The underlying rhythmical layers present the samba and jazz-drenched tunes in a rich and discreetly dynamic manner. To not lose our way, this trip is marked with stylish renditions of timeless standards such as "Summer Samba," "Girl from Ipanema," the horn section-driven "Lover Man," and the Michel Legrand classic "Watch What Happens." Deeper into the adventure, Douyé displays an intuitive connection with songwriter Antonio Carlos Jobim. One can feel the heartbreak, anguish, and emotional despair on "How Insensitive." The lament of faded memories lingers on "Once I Loved." Spring is in the air and in step on "Aqua de Beber." Further into the Jobim catalog, her haunting take alongside pianist Otmaro Ruiz on "Corcavado" melds voice and instrument seamlessly, as does her duet with acoustic guitarist Marcel Camargo on "Desafinado." The voyage continues to the sea as Douyé surfs in tandem with flutist Justo Almario on a slowly cascading "Wave."

Douyé planted two songs written by the great jazz pianist Horace Silver near the end of the road. The tight groove on "Song for My Father" is followed by the fluid and polished big band sound of "Nica's Dream." The significant odyssey closes quietly and sensitively, once again dipping into the songbook of Jobim. She is joined only by acoustic guitarist Romero Lubambo, fittingly saying "so long" with grace, elegance, and aplomb with "Dindi."