Antonio Carlos Jobim Music

THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PIECE OF WORK. IT DEMONSTRATES BEYOND THE SHADOW OF A DOUBT THE GENIUS OF CARLOS ANTONIO JOBIM. WHO EVER LOVES BRAZILIAN MUSIC! THIS CD IS A MUST HAVE!

This is a brilliant album, but the sound is unfortunately inferior to that of the Brazilian CD version, which bears the original cover and title ("Tom Jobim-Matita Perê"). This version, in comparison, is hiss-filled and not as rich-sounding. That's why it loses a star. Audiophiles are advised to seek out the Brazilian-issued CD instead.

I wasn't as blown away by this album as other Jobim fanatics. While it does contain some excellent songs, like the definitive version of the classic "Aguas De Marco," and the deeply moving, beautiful, and moody "Matita Pere" and "Mantiqueira Range," the rest of the music is a bit too draggy, meandering, and syrupy for me. As I understand it, the idea behind this album was to fuse Jobim's Brazilian melodic sensibilities with a strong dose of Debussy and Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos (both highly influential to Jobim). Several pieces included here were written for films. There are moments where this works beautifully, but it doesn't always create as many sparks as was perhaps envisioned.

As for the film music passages here, some is intermittently interesting, but overall, I much prefer the more melodic work that Ennio Morricone was doing at the time. Also, Jobim does a fair amount of singing here, which can at times be problematic. For those not familiar with Jobim's vocals, he sings in a cool, slightly raspy voice which suits more simple and direct melodies just fine, but on more melodically demanding numbers, he comes off a little flat, and it sounds a bit like being serenaded by your old, slurry, alcoholic uncle. With my own roots in punk rock, I'm usually forgiving of musical or vocal imperfections. But Jobim's vocals, while definitely possessing a unique character, can be occasionally jarring to these ears.

Those seeking more in the vein of Jobim's brilliant "Wave" or "Stone Flower," (my personal Jobim favorites) may find this album a little disappointing. But people wanting to hear a slightly different side to Jobim's work may want to check this out. After all, there *are* a few great songs here. It just doesn't have the dazzling, high-level consistency of some of his previous work, and it does stray a bit from his Bossa Nova roots at times. But who knows, it may grow on me.

...very Talented Musician, Haunting, & Memorable. I own the Original Record, and have very "Definite Memories" that are
entwined with the Music. A "Must Have" for any fan of his music!

This is a CD reissue of a great album (rel.1973) which I originally had on cassette - and wore it out - it's that good! Admittedly, if you're not a good listener, you may not like it. It's Jobim, himself, backed-up by a top-notch New York studio orchestra. [I actually put it in an orchestral category.] It's amazingly well-orchestrated, conducted and produced by Claus Ogerman, and the orchestra sounds a lot bigger than it is. The arrangements tend to be esoteric and "floating" in nature (I enjoy that). One must be ready to spend time doing nothing except meditating/listening. It's great "rainy day" music - just stare out the window, drink in hand, contemplating nature in your beautiful backyard forest (or ocean, or desert, or what-have-you) and: enjoooyyyyy....

THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PIECE OF WORK. IT DEMONSTRATES BEYOND THE SHADOW OF A DOUBT THE GENIUS OF CARLOS ANTONIO JOBIM. WHO EVER LOVES BRAZILIAN MUSIC! THIS CD IS A MUST HAVE!

This is a brilliant album, but the sound is unfortunately inferior to that of the Brazilian CD version, which bears the original cover and title ("Tom Jobim-Matita Perê"). This version, in comparison, is hiss-filled and not as rich-sounding. That's why it loses a star. Audiophiles are advised to seek out the Brazilian-issued CD instead.

I wasn't as blown away by this album as other Jobim fanatics. While it does contain some excellent songs, like the definitive version of the classic "Aguas De Marco," and the deeply moving, beautiful, and moody "Matita Pere" and "Mantiqueira Range," the rest of the music is a bit too draggy, meandering, and syrupy for me. As I understand it, the idea behind this album was to fuse Jobim's Brazilian melodic sensibilities with a strong dose of Debussy and Brazilian composer Villa-Lobos (both highly influential to Jobim). Several pieces included here were written for films. There are moments where this works beautifully, but it doesn't always create as many sparks as was perhaps envisioned.

As for the film music passages here, some is intermittently interesting, but overall, I much prefer the more melodic work that Ennio Morricone was doing at the time. Also, Jobim does a fair amount of singing here, which can at times be problematic. For those not familiar with Jobim's vocals, he sings in a cool, slightly raspy voice which suits more simple and direct melodies just fine, but on more melodically demanding numbers, he comes off a little flat, and it sounds a bit like being serenaded by your old, slurry, alcoholic uncle. With my own roots in punk rock, I'm usually forgiving of musical or vocal imperfections. But Jobim's vocals, while definitely possessing a unique character, can be occasionally jarring to these ears.

Those seeking more in the vein of Jobim's brilliant "Wave" or "Stone Flower," (my personal Jobim favorites) may find this album a little disappointing. But people wanting to hear a slightly different side to Jobim's work may want to check this out. After all, there *are* a few great songs here. It just doesn't have the dazzling, high-level consistency of some of his previous work, and it does stray a bit from his Bossa Nova roots at times. But who knows, it may grow on me.

...very Talented Musician, Haunting, & Memorable. I own the Original Record, and have very "Definite Memories" that are
entwined with the Music. A "Must Have" for any fan of his music!

This is a CD reissue of a great album (rel.1973) which I originally had on cassette - and wore it out - it's that good! Admittedly, if you're not a good listener, you may not like it. It's Jobim, himself, backed-up by a top-notch New York studio orchestra. [I actually put it in an orchestral category.] It's amazingly well-orchestrated, conducted and produced by Claus Ogerman, and the orchestra sounds a lot bigger than it is. The arrangements tend to be esoteric and "floating" in nature (I enjoy that). One must be ready to spend time doing nothing except meditating/listening. It's great "rainy day" music - just stare out the window, drink in hand, contemplating nature in your beautiful backyard forest (or ocean, or desert, or what-have-you) and: enjoooyyyyy....

This cd could be titled "Herbie Hancock and friends", as the pianist initiated and leaded this beautiful project. Some tracks are a bit disappointed, but other are completely worth it: Chega De Saudade, whistled and sang by the great Jon Hendricks, is a real wonder....as is the last tune, Girl from Ipanema, on which the same Hendricks sings "Take the A-train".
This was also for me a good opportunity to discover the funk drummer Harvey Mason on true jazz tunes.
And last, but not least, the album cover is BEAUTIFUL :-)

Jobim recorded this live album with friends. While the music is excellent on the whole, Gal Costa's performance is really annoying, although I like Gal Costa very much. She even has a double album (Gal Costa Canta Tom Jobim) where she only things Jobim and she does it perfectly, but I think she had a bad day when this album was made.

You can't base your opinion about this album, just by listening to it..you've got to watch the live performance, it's absolutely magnificent. You get to experience such an emotional power put upon all the music.. I think that's what makes this album so great: the way Jobim, Gal and the others give themselves to their sound, it's all just so true, so natural.. Jobim's performance on Luiza made me sit still from the first note till the very last one faded.. and I'm afraid since I listened (and watched) to it, I was nevermore able to enjoy another version, althoug I recognize that, for instance, Chico Buarque's one is quite good.. but there's no way anyone will ever love that song as Jobim did, and he let it all out so truthfully that we might as well just love the man and his legacy, which includes this wonderful encounter.. Well, buy it if you want to feel it; don't, if you're planning on examining the work until the last detail..

Most of this album is wonderful, with great performances by Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, and Shirley Horn. Gal Costa is good, but she lets the quality of her voice waver a bit too much at times. Jon Hendricks is a bit obnoxious on his tracks, and while I have the deepest respect for Jobim as a composer and musician, his vocals (especially in his later years) seem a bit forced and melodramatic--totally against the underlying feeling of the music he helped give birth to, bossa nova. Pick it up if you love everything about Jobim and bossa nova, but casual listeners should probably pass and get the verve compilations of Gilberto/Getz/Jobim.

This fabulous concert comprises Brazilian melodies, both traditional and those composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim, with the ample talents of Paulo Jobim, Mario Adnet, and many top Brazilian arrangers and musicians. I was lucky enough to witness a live rehearsal of this concert last spring in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Very impressive! Lush melodies, orchestral arrangements of depth and complexity, the vocal majesty of Milton Nascimento and many others; all of the above add up to a very satisfying musical experience to anyone who loves the rich tasty delight that is Brazilian music.

Other players in my college trombone section kept recommending this CD to me, so I finally ordered it, and I'm very glad I finally listened to them. This is a must-have for the serious trombonist. After all, these are four of the not only best trombonists you'll hear, but best musicians also. "Achieved" is always a good one, along with the beautifully simple "Three Equali" and "Trois Chansons." Who would have thought that such fine soloists would perform so well as one unit, a true ensemble sound. Where else can you hear a guy hold out a high D-flat for about 20 seconds, or a trombonists squeelin high E's and double-high A's at the end? As a trombonist and aspiring performer, I say BUY IT!

Fantastic ensemble playing coupled with a beautiful selection of music make this CD one of the favorites in my collection. These gentlemen are truly some of the finest artists in their field.

I'm a trombone player, and I know what I'm talking about. These guys have been to schools such as Juliard in New York and have studied to become professional musicains most of there lives. In this CD they are right on top of things and don't miss a beat. My personal favorite is No More Blues, the last track on this particular CD. I tell ya, I couldn't be more extatic about four trombone players. These guys are top notch, and are way beyong the Canadian Brass if you ask me, and seeing as how I play the trombone, you might want to. These guys are perfect players, and almost couldn't be better. WOW about sums it up!

No instrument blends as well with one another as the trombone, and these four trombonists are among the best at what they do. Joseph Alessi, Scott Hartman, Mark Lawrence, and Blair Bollinger all exhibit great musicality.

I too must agree that these four gentlemen have produced a very fine album that covers a wide variety of genres. They had obviously put a lot of work into these particlular pieces and, even though all of them are branching out into solo careers, manage to work well as a group. My favourites are the Haydn, Serocki and No more Blues, even though (dare I say it) I prefer some interpretations by other quartets (eg. Triton Trombone Quartet playing the Serocki). I personally feel that the recording quality lets them down a bit at times. The 2nd & 3rd trombones in particular sound a little 'fuzzy' from time to time; whether that's the recording or perhaps their horn I can't say. Nevertheless I have been inspired once again to practice diligently upon listening to this CD. It's worth the money.

What a fabulous recording. I really enjoyed the instrumental arrangements of the more popular pieces like Besame Mucho and Tico Tico - lots of fun! Among the real gems on this disc are the pieces by Diego Luzuriaga and Roberto Sierra. Heidi Grant Murphy's vocals are just stunning (as always) - so effortlessly delivered, technically polished, smooth as silk. And Aureole's performances are at turns supportive of the vocals and virtuosic when needed. Highly highly recommended!