Summer Samba - Irene & Her Latin Jazz Band CD

Irene and Her Latin Jazz Band interpret 14 familiar songs though this project, capturing the essence of Rio de Janeiro in happy times. Theirs is a lightweight treatment that lets singer and band stroll effortlessly around seasonal flower beds and through leisure-time celebrations. When its summer in Rio, a part of the world is freezing; however, Irene ensures that tensions relax and attitudes lighten up. She interprets "Summer Samba" with Scott Martin, on tenor oozing honey from the horn, while she stays the course. Irene prefers the straight and narrow; her interpretations follow what we remember from these classic songs. "Besame Mucho" comes with Spanish lyrics that color passionately while guitarist Marco Tulio decorates the room. For the most part, Irene keeps her guitarist, pianist, double bassist (actually electric bass), drummer and conguero by her side in complete agreement. Together, they fashion a session of treasured memories. "One Note Samba" features Martins flute in a light parade, while "Samba Saravah" pairs his flute with Alex Vardens keyboards in a light fantasy which serves as the sessions high point. Here, Irene sings in Portuguese (actually its French) and adds wordless portions that place a spell on you. "Little Boat" features flutist Brice Martin in an easy-going affair that sizzles. Additional songs, such as "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" and "Lets Face the Music and Dance" allow Irene more room to place these treasured memories on a Brazilian pedestal for all to enjoy. ---WAXING POETIC REVIEWS by Jim SantellaAdditional Info: Originally from Cleveland, OH, the Imperial Wonders lit up their hometown in the early '70s with hot local tokes like "Trying to Get to You," "Just a Dream," and "Turned Around Over You." After a single on Musicor Records in 1973, the entertainers took a 28-year hiatus before dropping Time Machine, their first LP, with a revamped lineup consisting of originals Al Boyd and Avaughn Wells along with E.J. Welch, Russell Watts, and Darol King. The group's patented, unison "bong bong" harmonic fills are missing, but their imperial-quality soul and transcendental aura of romance are represented on every cut. These are singers born to express themselves musically. There are no scraps -- these are eight prime soul filets worthy of serving to royalty. Addiction comes fast on the opening track, "DNA," with its sly reference to O.J. Simpson and its infectious romping rhythm; the lead switches between the tenor, falsetto, and baritone, with Wells' Melvin Franklin-quality bass trolling the bottom like an ocean predator. Dangerous listening on a bar stool -- you might bounce right off grooving to it. The level remains high as a giraffe on "Tales From the Grip," a haunting son of a gun with horror movie ambience and tightly strung vocals around a compelling lead. You'll think the Dramatics stopped by when "Time Machine," written by Boyd and Larry Hancock, unrolls. Wells mimics Willie Ford on the intro and the lead enchants with a beguiling vocal reminiscent of Lenny Mayes, only stronger, on the smoldering slow jam. They bounce the lead lines around on "Sweet Delight" and "Just Leave," a free-flowing Delfonic-ish ballad that showcases their strong voices. "You're Good in Bed" is a turn-off-the-lights and lets-get-it-on song. A passionate lead, impeccable backing vocals, sensuous lyrics, tantalizing music, and a vamp that brings back memories of New Birth's "Been Such a Long Time" set this one out. Two more hotties, "Spiritual Love" and "In the Bedroom," wrap up the Imperial Wonders' first LP with a bang. Al Boyd co-authored the Temptations' "Shaky Ground" and wrote or co-wrote every song on Time Machine. ~ Andrew Hamilton

Specifics

  • Album: Summer Samba
  • Artist: Irene & Her Latin Jazz Band
  • Label: CD Baby
  • Genre: Jazz
  • MPN: VRC 8201

(CD-634479543791)

SKU CD-634479543791
Barcode # 634479543791
Brand CD Baby
Shipping Weight 0.1140kg
Shipping Width 0.120m
Shipping Height 0.010m
Shipping Length 0.140m

Be The First To Review This Product!

Help other Augoods users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.

Write a product review

More From This Category