When I first put on this recent album by Brazilian composer/singer Rodrigo Amarante, my first thought was “Is this a lost session of Tom Jobim’s stint with A&M records?” Even the cover has that classic 70s CTI look of “Wave” and “Tide”. This album has that same sweeping lush production reminiscent of Creed Taylor, with Amarante’s sotto/dramatic voice in both Portuguese and English melding over the lovely South American pulsations.
There is an opening Old World instrumental on “Drama”, with Amarante upbat with guitar on “Mare” and intimate with rich strings and satiny horns for “Tara”. Tender guitar pickings form drapery on the sing-songy “Tanto” with tender musings evoked for “Eu Com Voce’”. Amarante also sings in English over the tropical beat on “Sky Beneath” and the indie feeling “The End”. Hints of Nascimento’s earthiness are alluring on the soulful “Tao” with glorious nasal enunciations. A glowing tropical night of sounds.