Carlos Dias - Copacabana Station (2017)

Brazilian-born jazz vocalist Carlos Dias, now based in Manhattan, brings his significant talent to your living room on his recently released ten-song album… song like the fantastic opener, “Mona Lisa“, use backing vocals and superb arrangements in a most professional way to hold you enchanted under his spell… very nicely done.

The heavy-duty percussion intro on “Quizas Quizas Quizas” (Maybe Maybe Maybe) melds right into gentle guitar strains from Wesley Amorimand and a silky-smooth vocal that are totally tasty – one of the best Latin performances I’ve heard (yet) in 2018… in addition to Carlos fine singing, he also has special guest appearances by other very talented players like Gene Perla, Vanessa Falabella, Helio Schiavo, Cesar Garabini, Negah Santos and Clark Gayton… arrangements were done by Carlos and Wesley throughout the album.

Though the release comes with strong (& wonderful) Brazilian flavors, it’s also Carlos’s tribute to two of his jazz heroes, Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole… his inspiring rendition of “My Funny Valentine” is among the best I’ve ever heard… laid-back style, yet highly charged with the energy that romance can bring, and full of the joy that LIVING life can bring.

There was no question in my mind what my personal favorite of the ten songs offered up for your aural adventure would be, though… the closer, “So Nice“, is a vocal duet with Vanessa, and they will (easily) wrap you into their magical spell… I predict that this tune will garner a lot of airplay… perfect pacing and full of soul. ~by Dick Metcalf