| Noël |
On paper, the proposition is enticing: Brazilian rhythms, and all the musical delights that come with them. On the instrumental front, the album delivers beautifully, with exquisite arrangements. However, vocally, it falls into disappointingly conventional territory. One might have hoped for a fully Brazilian album, but even so, this effort remains solidly crafted, though lacking in originality beyond the music itself.
The Brazilian guitarist, true to form, is utterly flawless here. At times, one might wish to strip away the singer’s voice altogether, simply to savor his artistry. For if this album holds any true merit, it is in this aspect. Drawing inspiration from the timeless Christmas songs of icons like Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Mel Tormé, Lubambo and Driggs reimagine these classics with the gentle cadence of Brazilian rhythms. Yet, this only serves to remind us of the magic found in vocal albums by those legends. Where Sinatra and Fitzgerald left their indelible marks, shaping compositions with warmth and individuality, the interpretations here feel technical and cold.
Thankfully, the album benefits from Peter Martin on piano, Victor Gonçalves on accordion, and Joe Locke on vibraphone, whose contributions elevate the listening experience.
Recommended for those who enjoy very traditional Christmas songs—after all, there’s something for everyone. From our perspective, we award this album three stars, believing it might have been more compelling with a different production approach and a repertoire of Brazilian (Portuguese) songs.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, November 19th 2024
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