R & R Bossa Nova is a musical phrase I coined to classify some of the CDs from my collection ... it stands for Refreshing and Relaxing Bossa Nova music. This CD, "Surrender" is a fitting example for it contains quite a lot of Brazilian-infused numbers that are absolutely enchanting and very pleasing to the ears. Sergio Mendes, Ivan Lins, Toots Thielemans, Vince Mendoza and Jorge Calandrelli are some of the most trusted names when it comes to exquisite music - their presence in this recording adds beauty, brilliance and timeless appeal that most listeners often look for in an album. What makes this disc so special? Jane Monheit's impeccably refreshing, relaxing and soothing renditions; tasteful choice of material from the pens of Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer, Sergio Mendes, Johnny Mandel, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Burt Bacharach, Hal David, Stevie Wonder, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, among others; sublime musicianship from a fine group of studio musicians that include pianist Michael Kanan, percussionist Paulinho Da Costa, drummer Rick Montalbano (Monheit's husband), saxophonist Ari Ambrose, just to name a few; a lush string orchestra; and more importantly, Vince Mendoza's arrangements and Jorge Calandrelli's grand orchestral charts. The Bossa Nova charmers include "Caminhos Cruzados" featuring Toots Thielemans on a stunning extended harmonica solo, an enthralling duet with Ivan Lins, "Rio De Maio" and "So Tinha De Ser Con Voce." The tasteful repertoire wouldn't be as wonderful as it is without "Moon River," "A Time For Love," "Overjoyed" and "Alfie," the track that spotlights Monheit's impressive vocals accompanied only by the romantic sound of Michael Kanan's piano. Monheit is at her most gentle and relaxed mood in "Like A Lover" treating the lyrics like the delicate petals of pink roses. "So Many Stars" is breathtakingly beautiful! It features on piano its famed composer and Bossa Nova icon Sergio Mendes, whom I've met at his 40th anniversary concert at the Hollywood Bowl over a year ago. Its lovely arrangement is based on the original chart recorded by Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 entitled Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - Greatest Hits. Who could better interpret "If You Went Away" with heartfelt emotion and tender perfection? She aced it and made it her own. This track is such a beauty from the first note to the last. "My world is safe and it's worth living forEven more with youI've learned to treasure each moment of timeYou've even taught me how high love can climb."If you will listen closely with undivided attention to each track focusing not only on Monheit's vocals, but also the arrangements, instrumentations especially the solos, you'll agree with me that this is by far her best offering. A gem of a CD. With my heartfelt recommendation. Jane proves again her amazing vocal skills. I saw Jane recently at the Birchmere in Alexandria performing mostly songs from this CD. She made a special point of thanking us at the end of the concert, before her encore, for "really listening." And we did. It's the first concert I've been to in a long time where people were literally sitting at the edge of their chair to hear every note, every breath and every nuance. This jazzy-bossa nova style suits her perfectly and her singing in Portugese is flawless. Superb CD, superb performer. I can't recommend this CD highly enough. I am gripped by Monheit's voice whenever I hear it. "Surrender" is a terrific lilting song, and "Moon River" pretty much always makes me cry. I go through Monheit kicks and alternate this album with Live at the Rainbow Room and Taking a Chance on Love. I love that she sings some songs from previous eras, making them perfectly contemporary.I'm a middle aged man, but I've customized my big wheel to fit my growth spurts. I'll ride my big wheel to work most days when it's not raining. I went ahead and wired up a dope sound system with some headphones. Let me tell you, this is the best big wheel riding CD on the market right now. I just relax and feel wind on my special helmet. It's like I don't even hear all of the cars honking at me. That ticks me off. Why can't you ride a big wheel in this country instead of driving a big gas guzzler. I'm helping the environment riding my big wheel, getting some exercise and chillin to the newest release by Jane Monheit. What is wrong with that? Society wants to call me names and make me leave my big wheel in the garage. Well, society isn't going to get what they want this time. It's my big wheel and I'll ride it when I want!!! Peace.I have followed Monheit's singing over her first few albums. I enjoyed listening to them but I generally thought her voice was a bit too "white bread." Yawn. But this album really has me impressed. I must confess a recent embracement of latin bossa nova stuff, and her work here in Portugese really got me excited. I think it shows a level of character. Her voice seems to have matured into one heck of an instrument, too. I think Jane could be the next Ella or Billie.On this CD, I'm particlarly impressed by three Portugese numbers -- Rio De Maio, Só Tinha De Ser Com Você, and Caminhos Cruzados. And, oh boy, that rendition of Overjoyed blows me away. What I think is a really gutsy move is her re-recording of tunes she had recorded earlier (on this album, So Many Stars; a couple others on Live At The Rainbow Room). If you compare the later versions you might be impressed, like me, on how much she has improved as an artist. So Many Start has a much more intricate beat, but even more significant is the added richness and depth of Monheit's voice. Wow.I love the real balance that the producers have given her -- she's not just a singer with stringer behind her, but more of a jazz vocalist taking turns with her musicians. Now I'd like to see her steer herself in her own direction and establish her own voice through the perfect selection of songs to cover. I look forward to more recordings. If her voice is this amazing after just a couple of years, imagine what she'll be doing in a couple more!
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