Tania Maria: Canto [Digipak]

Beguiling Brazilian

On her latest recording, Brazil’s Tania Maria serves up another batch of get-under-your-skin tunes, infectiously joyous vocals and warm, funky piano. She effortlessly blends bossa nova, samba, jazz and funk into a softly swinging collection of mostly up-tempo numbers, with a couple of intimate and affecting ballads tossed into the mix. The arrangements are elegant and simple, and never get in the way of the groove that Maria lays down. Although “Canto” follows on the heels of her 2011 release, “Tempo,” the tracks here were actually recorded back in 2005 and 2008. It’s not clear why this music wasn’t released at that time, but better late than never. Rhythmically compelling and emotionally affecting, this is music to fit any mood, whether you’re in high spirits or need them raised up.
Submitted on 02/20/13 by Dean Brierly 

So good!!

The singer/composer/pianist Tania Maria brings her new album “Canto” with piano, drum, and background instruments to whisk us away to South America with smoldering Brazilian rhythms. All we need is a place on the beach or a seat in a nightclub to enter the world of bossa, swing, and jazz. This is sing-along flavor from the Southern hemisphere, with a favorite international star inviting the audience to savor the Rio or Säo Paolo atmosphere.


The accompanying booklet brings to mind the fanciful world of the jazz/torch/bossa/ballad act. The stylized cover suggests the likeness of this stellar performer from the land of ultimate parties and Carnaval, and the colorful pages suggest the many vibrant shades of Brazil. While the song lyrics are provided, there are no translations, and the print is difficult to read in several places. A more detailed explanation of the music and information about Tania Maria would provide valuable particulars for the English-speaking market.


The voice is sultry and friendly, the words flowing comfortably and free. The crowd in Brazil has known Tania Maria and her compositions and performances for years. Her piano and drums enjoy their own place in the spotlight as well as providing accompaniment with other instruments. With even a little effort, comprehension of Portuguese phrases can be picked up along the way. This CD is a must-have for a summer party, club or beach—so let’s grab the cachaça for the caipirinhas and sing along.

Submitted on 03/01/13 by howsweetthesound