Turn up the Quiet

Is it possible ever to tire of the Beatles back-catalogue? Unless you are a Brazilian (in whose country they are played endlessly), some might say ‘yes’. Surely the same is true of all those relaxing bossa nova classics? It’s been more than 50 years since bossa nova was, as its name translates, the new wave. In those 50 years the classics have been covered by Stan Getz, Richard Clayderman, Frank Sinatra and Kenny G: it’s hard to see this CD as anything more than another to add to the pile of ever-growing bossa nova releases.

It’s not Heidi Vogel’s fault. She is a fabulous singer, as her work with the Cinematic Orchestra attests. Her deep, husky and honey-sweet voice sounds at her best on the three remixes (by the Cinematic Orchestra, IG Culture and Emanative) that are essentially addenda to this album. The other songs – like Jobim’s ‘Inútil Paisagem’ and Joao Donato’s ‘The Frog’ – are standards. Others like ‘Medo de Amar’ (from Tom Jobim’s 1990 album Tom Canta Vinicius) are less well known. All are faithful to the early 60s bossa sound, with soft guitar and breathy vocal. Those who have never heard it will perhaps be interested, though they’d do better to stick to the originals, from singers like Nara Leao or Maria Bethánia, who sing in native Portuguese. But are there still any such listeners? This isn’t a CD for those with any real interest in the contemporary music of Brazil. This album is for those who prefer to close their eyes and picture themselves in cocktail bar in Rio with a caipirinha in hand. As such it will no doubt be a resounding success.