[DSD][OF] Jacintha - The Girl From Bossa Nova - 2004 (Jazz, Latin, Smooth Jazz, Bossa Nova)

The Girl From Bossa Nova (Groove Note) is not from bossa nova actually. Or Brazil. In fact, she is not even from anywhere in Latin America. Vocalist Jacintha is from Singapore, but she hopscotches her way through a handful of outstanding Brazilian tunes on this album. Working with a group that includes legendary Brazilian percussionist Paulinho da Costa, Jacintha’s sultry vocals move quite easily into bossa nova mode from her usual torch-singer style. The problem with the album is that we have heard many of these tunes (“Desafinado,” “Wave,” “How Insensitive,” “Corcovado,” “Waters of March,” etc.) countless times by better singers. Songs by composers like Vinicius de Moraes, Tom Jobim or Luiz Bonfa are not serviced by Jacintha’s inability to dig into the saudade (melancholy) that makes their songs so distinctive & timeless.
~ jazztimes.com
Featured in Michael Fremer’s Heavy Rotation in the November 2004 Issue of Stereophile! Jacintha picks up the tempo in her first bossa nova session. Featuring a program of some of the most well known classics of the genre including several Jobim favourites…..as well as less familiar…, The Girl From Bossa Nova is a striking change of pace for Jacintha that will enthrall all of her fans. With superb solos from tenor Harry Allen and acoustic guitar from John Pisano (ex-Diane Krall), the album is given the supreme finishing touch by the magical playing of Brazilian master percussionist P. D Costa who’s recorded and performed with all the legends – Jobim, J Gilberto, Gilberto Gil, Astrid etc. His contribution truly gives the entire album it’s authentic bossa nova vibe. And yes, there are a couple of classic Jacintha ballads done bossa style — This Masquerade and Dindi. A must buy for Jacintha fans and all bossa nova lovers.
“Until you’ve heard this album, you have no idea just how significant a singer Jacintha truly is. Here, she sounds alive – in-the-room real. It’s almost spooky. And this allows you to get a feel for how she sets up a line, using subtle inflection and/or minor variation of pitch and tempo to make each syllable come alive. She never forces her way, always remembering the gentleness of the Bossa Nova; instead she carefully and confidently navigates her way through with unerring accuracy. She sings these Brazilian songs like a native, a real testament to her talent.” – John Crossett
~ audiophilereferencerecordings.au