Ana Caram is an excellent singer and guitarist of Brazilian music, but this set lacks any real surprises. She only plays guitar on one song, sticking to singing while being backed by a rhythm section and the saxophones of Paulo Levi. The selections all date from the 1960s (other than her original "Pura Luz") and
Caram is mostly cast in the role of
Astrud Gilberto, performing
Jobim tunes (including "Desafinado," "Corcovado," and "Triste") and other tunes from the era, including "Blue Bossa," "Fly Me to the Moon," and
Baden Powell's "So Por Amor." The results are pleasant but very predictable, with no real chances being taken nor any fresh light shone on the veteran warhorses. ~ Scott Yanow