OK! Sue me, sue me, what can you do me? I love bossa albums!
This one by Mafalda Minnozzi is a real treat in that her voice and emotions show a dash of late period Billie Holiday, making it a sonic treat as she delves into the Great Brazilian Songbook. She’s supported by an all star cast of Paul Ricci/g, Art Hirahara/p, Harvie S-Essiet Okon Essiet/b, Victor Jones/dr, Rogerio Boccato/perc and guest Will Calhoun/perc.
Why do all Brazilian vocalists sound so sexy in their own language? Minnozzi could probably sensualize a Mahler Leider as she gets sweet and intimate with Ricci during “Triste” and the two undulate like flower petals on “Dindi”. Her husky voice floats with vocal percussion on “Mocidade” and bounces like a Greek belly dancer on “Desafinado”. Her foray into English produces a delicate “Once I Loved” while she’s nimble on her Brazilian feet for the scatting “Jogral” and lusciously inviting “Morro Dois Irmaos”. While making it sound easy with the Samba Songbook, she could probably make a guy sweat reading the phone book!