The Brazilian trio
Bossacucanova has been taking the smooth, jazzy sound of bossa nova and muscling it up with breakbeats, turntablism, and electronica since they first hit the international dance music scene in 1999. Their third album isn't really a departure from their previous work (album title notwithstanding, the beats are pretty much the same), but it does represent a continued refinement of their approach. Bass player
Márcio Menescal brings his father, the legendary producer and guitarist
Roberto Menescal, on board yet again to lend his delicious licks and slinky filigrees to the proceedings, and other guests include singer
Marcos Valle and
Bossacucanova's labelmates
Zuco 103, whose contribution on "Samba da Minha Terra" is one of the album's highlights. But the real star of the show is Brazilian-American singer
Cris Delanno, whose interpretations of "Onde Anda Meu Amor" and the
Antonio Carlos Jobim song "Aguas de Março" have a special, bittersweet appeal. Really, though, there isn't a weak track on this wonderful record. Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson