This is the fourth album I’ve reviewed by vocalist/trombonist Natalie Cressman, and the third where she’s done Brazilian duets with guitarist/vocalist Ian Faquini. Once again, she just knocks me out with this simple but clever idea of melding Faquini’s horn (sometimes with multiple textures) with lithe and simple Jobimesque original Brazilian melodies.
But don’t give the lady all the credit; Faquini’s got that patented sotto voce a la Jobim, Gilberto and Cantuaria, gorgeously understated on “Madrugada” and folksy on “Afoxe”. Cressman’s voice is tall, tan, young and lovely in Portuguese on the celestial “Canaa” and gloriously pleading “Cazadero” while dark in English on the ominous “Hood River”. Their duets are sublime, cozy on ‘Curandeiro” and fun for the suave “Dalando Coco”. Cressman’s trombone blends perfectly with Faquini’s guitar throughout like Sebesky arrangements stripped down, and shows his warmth on the cheerful “Douto Escobar”. If this two ever tours California, please someone text me?