Albare Plays Jobim

Albare
Plays Jobim
Alfi Records

Twenty-five years have passed since the death of Antonio Carlos Jobim. The guitarist Albare pays tribute to the legendary father of bossa nova with renditions of nine of Jobim's signature songs along with classic "Brazil." Produced by Phil Turcio, Albare is accompanied by Joe Chindamo on piano, Antonio Sanchez on drums, and Ricardo 'Ricky' Rodriguez on bass. Chindamo also wrote the string arrangements and conducted the strings.

Albare is a romanticist as a guitarist, with his guitar (whether electric or acoustic) in a melodic and lyrical mode. His single-note runs sing the lyrics while adding with genial embellishments to the melody while provided a light, subtle backing. The strings add to the lush, relaxed mood of the renditions of such numbers as "Corcovado," "Chega De Saudade," "Desafinado," "Água de Beber," "Áquas de Março," and "Wave."

Admittedly, this is easy to listen to instrumental music. Still, Albare, with his deliberate and deft touch and lovely tone, has produced a tribute to Jobim that is full of charm and captures the beauty of the songs Jobim left us.

I received my review copy from a publicist.