(Vocal Jazz, Bossa Nova) Laura Ann (Boyd) & Quatro Na Bossa - Summer Samba - 2008, MP3, 320 kbps

Laura Ann Boyd is a young, talented, and, if I may add, quite photogenic jazz and bossa nova singer whose base is Richmond, Virginia. She began to sing professionally after graduating from Richmond University in 2002. She has also lived and studied music in Italy and Brazil, which explains her excellent pronunciation of the Portuguese demonstrated in this CD.
Laura Ann's voice is rich, slightly husky and honey-colored. Unlike some bossa nova singers, she is not afraid to use vibratos and open up with her emotions. She gives wonderful renditions of super-famous bossa nova songs like "Dindi" and "Desafinado," but she shines even brighter with less frequently recorded gems like "Eu Sei Que Vou Te Amar" and more recent compositions such as "Flor De Lis" (Djavan) and "Lucidez" (J. Aragao).
American and Brazilian musicians backs her with assured hands. The rhythm of the bossa nova feels genuinely authentic, and guitarist Kevin Harding is consistently great. Rodrigo Ursaia turns in wonderful tenor sax and flute solos as well. Audiophiles will also be delighted: The guitar sounds natural and rich, and Laura Ann's voice sounds intimate and attractive.
All in all, this is an excellent bossa nova album. Indeed, it's one of the best by an American singer in my recent memory. Highly recommended!