It almost looks as if there are hundred musicians on "Cafuné" from Brazilian jazz artist Luiz Simas (http://www.luizsimas.com). It sounds like it, too, as Simas' vision is so vast that he needs an army of instrumentalists to project what he hears in his head. Everything on "Cafuné" is original, written and arranged by Simas himself but they have the timeless feel of standards. I wouldn't be surprised to hear, years from now, younger artists trying to cover these tracks. And you couldn't blame them, either. Every cut on here sparkles.
Simas has a wind-swept, deliriously romantic croon that is best exemplified by "Meu Rio" and "A Rede, a Brisa e o Som do Mar." (Don't be put off by the Portuguese titles as Simas has thoughtfully included their English translations in the CD booklet.) At times he comes across as a Brazilian Frank Sinatra, but Ol' Blue Eyes never had backing music as thrillingly exotic as this. There are some absolutely dreamy moments on this LP like "Se o Papa Dissesse," with its slow build-up and cinematic piano, and the aforementioned "A Rede, a Brisa e o Som do Mar," the perfect rainy-day companion even though the setting lyrically suggests a summer afternoon.
|
Simas reaches beyond the Brazilian pop base and into jazz, world, and Bossa Nova. It's a joy from beginning to end, the perfect album to caress your head with.
|
