Rosemary Clooney, John Pizzarelli - Brazil

This Brazil's greatest hits album is made with such affection and panache that it's all but irresistible. Vocalist Rosemary Clooney, in her autumnal prime and possessing a spot-on feel for the material, teams up with guitarist-singer John Pizzarelli and a superb ensemble led by her pianist, John Oddo, in delivering this love letter to the magical music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Luis Bonfa, et al. The familiar tunes--"One Note Samba," "Boy from Ipanema," "Wave," "Dindi," "Corcovado," "Once I Loved," and eight others--get fresh, even surprising interpretations. Take Jobim's "Boy from Ipanema," where Clooney, her voice deepened by time but still resilient and lithe, duets with the exquisitely breathy Diana Krall, who adds gently swinging piano lines. Or that wonderful Ary Barroso standby, "Brazil," done in three tempos: an out-of-time opening with Clooney speak-singing; a very leisurely samba, recalling the 1940s and 1950s; and a brisk bounce, where Pizzarelli plays glowing-toned lines.

The slower tunes have an enchantment all their own. Clooney invests such bittersweet songs as "Corcovado," "Once I Loved," and "Meditation" with lyric readings so wise and informed, you know she's been there. The achingly poignant "How Insensitive," a duet with Pizzarelli, is a heartstopper. The vibrant "Desafinado," perky "One Note Samba," and complex "Waters of March" are among the solid matchups between the voices of Clooney and her guitarist. They each swing in their own manner, and their harmonies make a good blend. Pizzarelli is the featured vocalist on "Wave" and "Dindi" and plays the beamingly upbeat "Sweet Happy Life" (a.k.a. "Samba de Orfeo"). Throughout, first-rate solos from the likes of saxophonists Gary Foster and Nino Tempo and trombonist Chauncey Welsch add vital flavors. If you're a Clooney or traditional Brazilian fan, this is a must-have. --Zan Stewart Amazon.com

Buy it if only for Oscar Castro-Neves!

I give this CD 5 stars on the merits of a single track alone:
I Concentrate on You with Oscar Castro-Neves (arranger, guitar, vocals), with the addition of Paulinho da Costa on tamborim!

When it comes to truly authentic bossa-nova guitar arrangements, it does not get any better than Oscar Castro-Neves (one of the originators of the style - a contemporary of Joao Gilberto, Tom Jobim, Dori Caymmi, Baden Powell, etc.)

I'm sure many would be mislead into thinking this trio arrangement uses John Pizzarelli on guitar since his name is prominently featured but this is not the case.

Oscar Castro-Neves should be a household name to anyone who likes Brazilian music: he has worked mostly as an arranger for many years.

But the purity of Oscar Castro-Neves' guitar playing is best showcased in simple duo or trio arrangements with vocal, as we have here.

Here are a few other comparable examples of Oscar's work:
Eliane Elias ('The Three Americas' CD) - Chega De Saudade
Eliane Elias ('The Three Americas' CD) - Brigas Nunca Mais
Joe Henderson ('Double Rainbow' CD) - Once I Loved (O Amor Em Paz)
Oscar Castro-Neves & Paul Winter - 'Brazilian Days' CD September 13, 2007

Truly Wonderful CD by one of the greatest singers ever

The songs on this cd are Brazilian classics, and Rosemary Clooney sings them beautifully. There's not a bad song on the entire cd. Go ahead and buy this one - you won't regret it. July 1, 2003

Rosie Good As Ever, Simply Shines

I can't believe all the negative feedback I've been reading from other buyers of this CD. Yes, this may not be Rosie's BEST, but it's still right up there alongside some of her great releases in the last 15-plus years on the Concord label. It's also unfair comparing this release to those by Sinatra and Fitzgerald in their heyday. If Rosie was their age (mid-40's) when she recorded this bossa nova and Jobim recording, then yeah, this release might've turned out differently, maybe much better, just like those by Frank and Ella. You're comparing someone who's in her early 70's to artists who were decades younger when they recorded the same material---does that sound fair??

Fans of Rosie have to judge the music for what it is---which is still excellent. She's in great voice here and the arrangements are superb. Rosie's bandmates should be commended for accentuating her vocals, never overwhelming them, which is what Brazilian and bossa nova music are about----subtlety and elegance. John Pizzarelli certainly deserves his spot alongside Rosie on some great duets, and surprisingly, gets his own solo on 3 tracks here, which I can't understand why the folks at Concord are so generous to allot him these many tracks on a Rosemary Clooney release?? He certainly acquits himself very well. Surprisingly, the WORST track on the CD is the duet between Rosie and the now red-hot Diana Krall on "Boy From Ipanema". Krall's vocals drag this duet down into the gutter. She sounds listless and unenergetic---some verve and energy would've helped, Diana!! Even Clooney can't rescue this downer track from Krall's saggy interpretation. Other than that, I still rate this CD a "Strong Buy"! By the way, Rosie, Happy Birthday today (May 23)! Happy 74 years ! May 24, 2002

Overly familiar & underwhelming

I'm a bit surprised to see so many five-star reviews for this album. It's a wonderful concept - the intimate voice of Rosemary Clooney, and the quiet guitar strumming of John Pizzarelli, singing Brazillian standards. However, Clooney can no longer totally deliver the goods. She has lost too much wind and breath control, due to her health problems in recent years.

Also, the repertoire she chose to program the recording with are incredibly familar. It is bad enough that "Brazil" shares six tracks with Frank Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim's groundbreaking 1967 bossa nova album; it is worse that the arrangements are totally lifted from that album. Perhaps they thought three decades later no one would notice, but it seems highliy unprofessional. The other tracks have been overdone, as well.

The album's saving grace is Clooney's phrasing. She still knows how to tell a story with a song, and when she has plenty of room to breathe, she can still work her magic. This CD ends up being an intimate romp through paths well-traveled. You may like it, or you may not; it depends what chord the above comments strike in you. July 24, 2001

It just sounds so good

I really don't know that much about the music and am only familiar with Rosemary Cloney from TV ads for Coronet paper products, but I thought the BRAZIL CD was so smooth and pleasant to listen to. Great for driving or a summer party. I say if you like how it sounds, it sounds good. May 6, 2001

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