Two For Brazil Plays the Standards

14.99 USD

“Exquisitely seductive...one of the most effective duos working in this idiom today.”

–Howard Reich, L.A. Times

"It's an aural illusion! Two For Brazil...just two guys, that's it!...and you don't miss a thing! This CD is a breath of fresh air. Every cut is a gem, full of musical surprises that will delight every listener." -Larry Novak

1. Fascinating Rhythm
2. We'll Be Together Again
3. Tis Autumn
4. Song of the Jet (Samba Do Aviao)
5. Daahoud
6. Embraceable You
7. Hello Dolly
8. Mam'selle
9. Round Midnight
10. On Green Dolphin Street
11. Black Orpheus
12. Indian Summer
13. Angel Eyes
14. Thanks For The Memory
15. All The Things You Are
16. There Will Never Be Another You

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Sunday, May 26, 2002

Two For Brazil
Plays The Standards
***

Ever since the bossa nova craze of the '60s, Americans have been smitten with Brazilian jazz, and exquisitely seductive recordings by groups such as Two for Brazil help explain why. The duo--guitarist-vocalist Paulinho Garcia and saxophonist Greg Fishman--plays a music that's as soft and gentle as a tropical breeze.

To hear Garcia's whispering vocals accompanied by Fishman's insinuating phrases on tenor saxophone and flute is to savor one of the most effective duos working in this idiom today. Although they take on standards such as "We'll Be Together Again" and "'Round Midnight," Garcia and Fishman make them sound as if they had been composed on a beach in Sao Paulo. Imagine, in other words, the vocals of Joao Gilberto accompanied by Stan Getz on winds, and you have a rough idea of the lush, sweetly lyric appeal of Two for Brazil.

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Jazz at a Glance
Volume 165

Featured Artist: Two For Brazil (Greg Fishman & Paulinho Garcia)

CD Title: Plays The Standards

Year: 2001

Record Label: GF

Style: Brazilian Jazz

Musicians: Greg Fishman, tenor saxophone and flute. Paulinho Garcia, acoustic guitar and vocals.

Review: Two For Brazil has a new CD release, PLAYS THE STANDARDS, and it is the best work yet to come from the duo of Greg Fishman and Paulinho Garcia. 16 classic standards fill this collection, and it is 63:32 minutes of pure enjoyment hearing these men perform their music together.

Greg Fishman is a master of both flute and tenor saxophone, and there are selections in this collection that would have the late Stan Getz standing with the audience applauding! Greg Fishman has a style and voice that is uniquely his own, and he has few peers who sound as good and flawless as Fishman does. Fishman's style is pleasantly found in all its perfection, intricate stylings, and variety in "Black Orpheus" and "All The Things You Are," among others.

Paulinho Garcia has a smooth and poignant voice, filled with gentleness and a touch of blues, a voice perfectly attuned to the songs performed in PLAYS THE STANDARDS. Paulinho Garcia is to contemporary bossa nova vocals what the late Frank Sinatra was to American contemporary vocals. Listening to Garcia sing his versions of "Angel Eyes" and Gershwin's "Embraceable You" places him in the same league as Sinatra, and his recordings are the equal of Sinatra at Sinatra's best. Garcia's acoustic guitar work is superb and impeccable.

Some of the songs include, the poignant "We'll Be Together Again," "Tis Autumn," "Samba Do Aviao," the intricate vocal version of "Mam'selle," and the incredibly flawless renditions of Fishman & Garcia together on "Round Midnight," "On Green Dolphin Street," "Black Orpheus," Jerome Kern's "All The Things You Are," "There Will Never Be Another You," among others. These songs reflect the bossa nova jazz performances we have come to expect and cherish from Fishman & Garcia, the Two For Brazil.

Any of these fine selections are candidates for playtime on radio, and one that is sure to be included is "Angel Eyes" which showcases the talents of both men. That goes for the memorable "We'll Be Together Again" and "All The Things You Are," as well.

This PLAYS THE STANDARDS will delight jazz listeners with its great song gems, lovely musical surprises, and fine performances that please and share. Fishman & Garcia make a perfect performing duo, and their musical adventures are ones jazz listeners will want to experience and be entertained by. With Paulinho Garcia on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Greg Fishman on tenor saxophone and flute, PLAYS THE STANDARDS is destined to increase their listening audience and will become a true classic of contemporary bossa nova jazz. If you want some flawless bossa nova jazz, it simply does not come any better than Two For Brazil PLAYS THE STANDARDS. If you are new to the sounds of Paulinho Garcia and Greg Fishman, this collection of 16 songs is a perfect introduction. Thanks for the memory! Great collection.

Artist's Website: http://www.twoforbrazil.com

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser
http://www.jazzreview.com/jaagas165.html

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