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Album Reviews
John Pizzarelli's love affair with the bossa nova stretched back over two decades prior to the making of this CD, which is his salute to the legendary João Gilberto. Accompanied by his regular group (pianist Ray Kennedy and bassist Martin Pizzarelli) and augmented by drummer Paulinho Braga and percussionist Jim Saporito, along with several others on selected tracks, Pizzarelli's soft, swinging vocals and strong but understated guitar work their magic throughout the session. While most of the pieces are Brazilian works, there are exceptions. Gershwin's "Fascinatin' Rhythm" is easily adapted into a bossa nova, adding backing vocals and the potent tenor sax of Harry Allen. Rocker James Taylor's "Your Smiling Face" benefits from the brisker setting and a flute choir backing Pizzarelli. Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim's "I Remember" adds Don Sebesky's string arrangement, carefully filling the backgrounds in this beautifully sung ballad. Of course, several songs are devoted to the timeless compositions of Antonio Carlos Jobim. All five present on this date have been recorded so frequently that it would be hard to come up with landmark interpretations, but Pizzarelli and company do justice to all of them. Also worth investigating are the leader's two originals, the swinging "Francesca" and the breezy "Soares Samba." The intimate sound throughout this recording is an additional bonus. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
Track Listing
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There You'll Be Faith Hill |
| Faith Hill is one of those country stars who enjoys massive popularity in America, with a career stretched over 16 years spawning 11 number ones, but have stuggled to expand it beyond her country's boundaries. "There you'll be", a wishy washy, epic ballad of the "memories of lost love" kind, was penned by the one and only Diane Warren and rejected by Celine Dion. Released in 2001 as the theme soundtrack from the movie "Pearl Harbour"; it reached number three in our charts and became Faith Hill's only UK top ten hit. And now, thanks to -yep, you guessed it- the ever growing power of television, is a surprise re-entry in our singles chart's top ten. Amy Connelly, one of this season's X factor contestants, chose it for a rendition that, apparently, brought jury Cheryl Cole to tears and triggered a downloading frenzy for the original among the popular show's viewers. Expect a greatest hits package released promptly, which could become one of this Christmas unexpected winners. | |
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