The Spanish singer Carmen Cuesta has long had a love for the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim and other bossa nova composers, though her earlier CDs have focused more on originals co-written with her husband, guitarist Chuck Loeb. But bossa nova reigns supreme on this 2011 release, with Loeb contributing well-produced backgrounds for Cuesta's fresh, pleasing alto voice. Initially she worked on translating the Portuguese lyrics into Spanish, only to be stymied by legal issues after she was well underway with her work. In any case, Cuesta is able to convey the elegance of these timeless melodies. Her vocals capture the longing of the lyric to "Retrato em Branco e Preto" in a heartfelt performance. Cuesta is equally sensual in her interpretation of "Meditaçao." Her flawless rendition of Luis Bonfá's "Manha de Carnaval" could easily be used in a film soundtrack. Cuesta and Loeb's daughters Christina and Lizzy are added on flutes for their mother's "Jobim," her warm tribute to her inspiration for this CD. Throughout the date, Chuck Loeb's orchestrations and acoustic guitar solos add to the beauty of Carmen Cuesta's performances. It's easy to understand why they enjoy making music together as documented in Mi Bossa Nova. by Ken Dryden
Tracklist:
1 Triste
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
2 Fotografia
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim
3 Retrato Em Branco E Preto
Written-By – Antonio Carlos Jobim, Chico Buarque De Hollanda
4 O Barquinho
Written-By – Menescal Batalha, Boscoli
5 Pois É
Written-By – Jobim, Buarque
6 Jobim
Written-By – Carmen Cuesta
7 Modinha
Written-By – Jobim, De Moraes
8 Tormenta
Written-By – Carmen Cuesta
9 Manha De Carnaval
Written-By – Weiss, Pereti, Creatore, Bonfa, De Moraes
10 Chega De Saudade
Written-By – Jobim, De Moraes
11 Meditaçao
Written-By – Jobim, Mendonca, Gimbel
Credits:
Bass – Christian Diener (tracks: 2,3,5,7,9)
Drums – Brian Dunne
Flute – Christina Loeb (tracks: 6), Lizzy Loeb (tracks: 6)
Flute [Solo] – David Mann (tracks: 6)
Guitar, Keyboards, Bass – Chuck Loeb (tracks: 1,4,6,8,10,11)
Harmonica – Howard Levy (tracks: 8)
Percussion – David Charles
Piano – Matt King
Producer – Carmen Cuesta-Loeb, Chuck Loeb
