Got a heart for the classic bossa nova sound of Jobim and Gilberto? I think that singer/songwriter Bianca Rossini got the baton passed to her as she delivers some of the best fresh samba sounds around. She’s got a breathy yet husky voice, and comes across like a Brazilian version of Julie London: cozy and intimate moods abound, and before you know it you’re caught up in the allure of the sensuality.
Keyboardist Peter Roberts produced the disc, and he uses a mix and match of standard piano/bass/drums along with cameos of strings, percussion, tenor sax and even whistling. Jimmy Roberts’ tenor sax floats like a fog on Rossini’s luscious and delicious delivery on “Ipanema Paraiso,” while strings provide silk drapes for Rossini to saunter around on the enticing “Nos Dois” and “O Tempo Vai Contar.” Other tunes like “Circular” have a bit more of a celebratory and pop feel, but she gets you right back to the mood to be woo-ed on “No Silencio da Noite”. All of the songs except the closing “Corazon de Oro” are in Portuguese, but if you need a translator for these lyrics, you’re kind of missing the point. Keep your ears open for this one. Whew!