 |  | A somewhat chastened reviewer... |  |
A good friend reminded me that Elis Regina played an electric guitar on the Jobim-Regina version of "Aguas De Marco". So, out the window goes the blanket statement made below...but my point is still in force. Elis - after I listened well to her electric playing - still gets away with it simply because she has that SOMETHING - the authentic rhythm comes through. As I said, I really like Hall, but the rhythm doesn't happen on the electric on this recording. Again, perhaps that was not a consideration, but I do stand corrected about at least Regina's electricity!
September 21, 2003| | | Desmond's sound was made for samba... | |
Paul Desmond has the sound...and the alto sax lends itself to samba perhaps even more-so than the tenor which Getz so perfectly matched with the genre. In fact, were it not for Jim Hall, this CD could be as good...and perhaps better...than "Jazz Samba". But I have a major problem with the guitar on this CD. Not in the way it is played (although it can not be denied that it can't help but show in the playing itself). No, my problem is that samba can not, and should not EVER be played on an electric guitar. It is not authentic, and it sounds, for lack of a better word, "Americanized". Now, perhaps that is exactly what the point was all along - to seperate this recording from "Jazz Samba". It worked. I like Jim Hall, but if you are going to play samba or bossa and call it that, then you must play a classical guitar for proper rhythmic sound. Period. There can be no argument there. Unfortunately for me, I can't get past that on an otherwise beautiful recording.
September 7, 2003Desmond is the man! No one can imulate his sound, its just so unique but I am trying to imulate his sound as close as i can. Desmond just is a type and musican that gets you in the relaxation mood. I love it! I want those black solid glasses. I can play most of his songs on this cd. I love his latin jazz music. Also Jim Hall makes Desmond's cd a bigger hit than it already is! Thanks for everything Paul!!!!
August 30, 2003No one plays ballads any sweeter, with any more feeling than Paul Desmond. After listening to this CD I start to think that noone plays bossa-nova like Desmond. My favorite track is number four: Samba Cantina. If you cannot be in Rio to hear some real cool Brazilian, jazzy samba, then get this CD. I own a box set which contains most of Desmond's recordings with Jim Hall including this CD. I always say he is the modern equivalent of Chopin...a romantic musician and a master of the alto saxophone and this surely comes through this recording.
June 25, 2001Though I own alot of Paul Desmond recordings, this one as been in the CD changer for weeks now. There's great, gentle interplay with Jim Hall, and a total sound that is most enjoyable. Warm and round notes make this perfect evening music which I have found pleases most everyone.
March 25, 2000More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(6 reviews)