Antonio Adolfo & Carol Saboya - Ao Vivo Live (2006)

This live recording is essentially a jazzy tribute to samba and bossa nova and its jazz connections by pianist Antonio Adolfo and vocalist Carol Saboya. Intended, too, as a tribute to legendary Brazilian singer Elis Regina, it grew beyond that to encompass material Saboya had already recorded. The opening "Abertrura" medley sets out Adolfo's concept from the start, encompassing compositions by Gershwin and Jobim, among others. The album clicks into gear fully when Saboya enters. She's in great form, drawing the audience into a singalong on the classic "Wave," but to reach that there's a trip through Brazilian folk music on "Meu Limoa, Meu Limoeiro" as well as music by Gilberto Gil and Baden Powell, whose "Canto de Ossanha" provides a vehicle for a couple of pieces with sparkling piano work by Adolfo. The small backing group is low-key but excellent, sympathetic, and unobtrusive, with some splendid contributions from guitarist Claudio Spiewak. As live Brazilian jazz albums go, this is a standout. -- Chris Nickson ~