14.99 USD
––Michael Brecker
Rating: Excellent
AMG PICK
Since their eponymous debut in 2000, the Chicago-based Two For Brazil has been steadily gaining fans and exposure around the world, and for good reason: their organic meld of Brazilian and jazz sensibilities is distinctive, and their approach is intimate, classy and full of light.
The duo of guitarist/vocalist Paulinho Garcia and tenor/flute player Greg Fishman evokes the historic pairing of Joao Gilberto and Stan Getz - especially on "O Grande Amor,” one of their earliest bossa nova hits - but Fishman's playing is less brawny and breathy, and Garcia offers a greater variety of rhythm and emotion.
This CD features stellar, swinging versions of two jazz classics "Night in Tunisia and "Take Five”, with Fishman weaving strong, eloquent lines around Garcia's expressive vocals and lyrical guitar.
The 12 Brazilian gems range from the classic Jobim, Baden Powell, and Bonfa to the contemporary Djavan, Toninho Horta, and Gilberto Gil, all rendered beautifully and straight from the heart.
Standouts include the sensuous "Deixa," "Anos Dourados," Fishman's airy flute solo on "Que Maravilha,” and the exquisite "Pra Dizer Adeus," which is interpreted with less despair than usual, given Fishman's warm elegance and the infinite tenderness of Garcia's voice.
This duo seems to breathe together. A well-paced mixture of buoyancy, thoughtfulness, and tropical romance, Take Five is a perfect antidote to a noisy, worrisome world, and a must-have for fans of Brazilian jazz.
— Judith Schlesinger, All Music Guide
Review: The wait is over, for here comes the long awaited new recording by Two For Brazil, featuring the talents of Paulinho Garcia on acoustic guitar & vocals, and Greg Fishman on tenor saxophone & flute. TAKE FIVE is a fine CD collection, full of sensitive and haunting melodies performed as only Garcia and Fishman together can create!
There are 14 songs on this CD. Among them are such jazz gems as "A Night In Tunisia," "Take Five," the hauntingly beautiful "Pra Dizer Adeus" ("To Say Goodbye"), "Capim" ("Grass"), "Menina Flor" (Young Flower"), and "Batida Diferente," ("Different Beat"), among others.
Garcia and Fishman are incredibly good together in this collection, and Dave Brubeck & Paul Desmond would be genuinely pleased with this duo's performance of their classic "Take Five." Garcia's beautiful and sensitive vocals and guitar performances are a perfect match for the sensitive and indepth saxophone and flute performances of Fishman. This is one of the finest duos in contemporary jazz.
TAKE FIVE is a winner in all ways. This is a flawless, beautiful collection and will appeal to all jazz listeners.
TAKE FIVE is a classic in the making and a recording which will hold up well with the passage of time.
TAKE FIVE delights, entertains, and is enjoyable listening. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by: Lee Prosser