Here’san intimate collection of Brazilian tunes by pianist Helio Alves and the husky-toned Maucha Adnet. Adnet has a wonderful catalogue of material, with this one being the most subdued. The selection rarely veers far from the slow and methodical, with “Tico Tico” and “Waters of March” (why, oh why, in English?!?) being almost the only ones with a snappy lilt. Alves has a sensitive and delicate touch, particularly on Jobim’s “Gabriela” which unfolds like a morning sunrise, while her take of Dori Caymmi’s title piece is quite a haunting effort. More cerebral and heartfelt than celebratory. If you want the flames to burn lightly, this could be a pick.
Zoho Records